MEC suspends electoral activities
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it will suspend the voter registration exercise this Thursday following the 21 day lockdown which starts on Sunday April 19, 2020.
In a press statement signed by MEC chairperson Justice Jane Ansah, the Commission says the 21-day lockdown and additional measures declared by Minister of Health Jappie Mhango on 14 April, 2020, to contain the Covid-19 pandemic have necessitated the suspension.
“This is to allow for all the retrieval processes to take place before the lockdown. However, the above decision is subject to the general directions and orders that may be issued by the Supreme Court of Appeal in relation to the judgment of the Constitutional Court dated 3rd February 2020 which ordered that a fresh presidential election be held within 150 days from the date of the judgment,” reads the statement in part.
Ansah further said as an immediate measure, the Commission has also resolved to suspend all other electoral activities in view of the 21-day lockdown.
Meanwhile, Ansah says the Commission will proceed with phase-one voter registration retrieval processes.
The 1st Phase of the voter registration process started on 4th April, 2020 and was set to finish on 17th April 2020. The second phase was scheduled to commence on 21st April 2020.
