MEC discusses possible registration extension today
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is meeting today (Friday) to discuss possible extension of the first phase of the registration exercise which ends this Sunday.
The meeting has been driven by increased reports that solar-driven printers in most centres have not been functioning due to the bad weather experienced in most parts of southern Malawi.
Speaking on Thursday in Blantyre during MEC’s interface meeting with the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee aimed at sharing notes regarding the registration process underway, commissioner the Reverend Emmanuel Chinkwita-Phiri advanced that, so far, MEC does not have plans to extend the process.
“We will critically assess the situation and make necessary recommendations. It is not our intention to make adjustments. We will only do that on specific cases,” said Chinkwita-Phiri, adding that they have been impressed with the registration so far.
Kezzie Msukwa, chair of the Legal Affairs Committee also hailed MEC for the smooth process, but underlined that there are some challenges, for instance, inadequate materials, poor staff allowances, lack of civic education and the delay of CSOs funding.
Early morning yesterday, British High Commissioner to Malawi Michael Nevin described the registration process as “well organised”, something responsible for the ‘high turnout’ being witnessed.
His comments were said while touring Mbayani registration centre in Blantyre. This was after he had toured nine centres in Mwanza and Neno on Wednesday.
“From all the centres, I have visited I have noted a great sense of enthusiasm among the people to register. Even the officials on the centres really know what to do,” he said.
