Registered voters in four constituencies and nine local government wards go to the polls today to elect their representatives amid a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) call for peace as they exercise their democratic rights.
MEC yesterday said all was set for the by-elections to fill vacant seats in Parliament and local councils.
The electoral body’s chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said most polling materials, including ballot papers, boxes and voter registers were delivered by yesterday and are undergoing final checks.
She visited polling centres in Linthembwe Ward in Dowa Ngala Constituency and expressed confidence that all logistical preparations will be complete ahead of the polls.
“So far we are registering good progress. Most polling stations have received materials and are now re-inspecting them to confirm everything is in order,” said Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi.
In a separate interview, MEC director of media and public relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa added that ballot papers, ballot boxes, voter registers, indelible ink, verification devices, and other essential materials have been deployed, and that polling staff have been trained and assigned to their stations.
He also said the commission is working closely with the Malawi Police Service to ensure security and maintain law and order at polling stations and tally centres.
Parliamentary by-elections will be held in Dedza Mtakataka, Blantyre West, Rumphi Central, and Nkhotakota Liwaladzi constituencies.
On the other hand, local government by-elections will take place in Ighembe Ward in Karonga Songwe Constituency, Luwinga Ward in Mzuzu City North, Linthembwe Ward in Dowa Ngala, Chilobwe Ward in Lilongwe Chilobwe, Msitu Ward in Mchinji South, Mikongo Ward in Mangochi North East, Chanda Ward in Zomba Chikomwe, Chirunga Ward in Zomba City North and Muonekera Ward in Thyolo Goliati.
There are 241 787 voters are registered to cast their ballots at 351 polling stations, with 83 candidates, including five youth and one person with a disability, contesting the elections.
