MEC outlines preparedness
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday outlined its state of preparedness for the May 20 Tripartite Elections, announcing that distribution of ballot papers to polling stations across the country will start today.
Briefing journalists in Blantyre, MEC chairperson Maxon Mbendera said trucks have been identified and the ballot papers shall be transported under the escort of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Said Mbendera: “The ballot papers for Likoma Island will be airlifted on Sunday, May 18 2014, from [Kamuzu International] airport.”
MEC printed 24 million ballot papers based on the preliminary registration figure of 7.5 million people. Three percent is added as a contingency for spoilt ballot papers and transfers.
“With about 7.5 million registered in the preliminary voter’s roll, we have printed 7 996 600 ballot papers for each of the three elections [presidential, parliamentary and ward councilLor] giving a total of 23 989 800 ballot papers,” said Mbendera, who is also a judge of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal.
He again challenged those alleging possible vote rigging plots to bring forth evidence. He also asked the media to clarify reports of a truck allegedly carrying pre-marked ballot papers, saying recognised ballot papers came by air from South Africa and that those that might come by road, through Mwanza or any border post, are not for Tuesday’s elections.
The commission will start training polling clerks in all 4 445 polling stations on May 18 2014 and it is calling upon monitors of candidates, political parties and civil society organisations (CSOs) to go and witness the training.
Commenting on the 1 200 vehicle deficit for the electoral process, Mbendera said the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has provided the vehicles for the exercise.
In a related development, four major political parties in the country have expressed their dissatisfaction with MEC’s readiness four days to elections.
People’s Party (PP), United Democratic Front (UDF), Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) believe MEC has failed to address pertinent issues.
MCP campaign director Felix Jumbe said: “There are so many issues at hand. For instance, the failure of MEC to address the issue where voters are being asked by candidates to sell their voter cards, what does this mean? And what has MEC done about this? We are really worried, these issues need to be addressed.”
While acknowledging that MEC has tried to work effectively within the available means, UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga said MEC should issue a strong warning deterring all those who did not register not to vote.
DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi, on the other hand, accused MEC of negligence. He said there are so many issues which have been raised over the course of the whole electoral period that have been left unresolved.
PP acting spokesperson Ken Msonda said MEC has not addressed one or two issues, including dealing with those making allegations of rigging.
