Presentation of by-elections nomination papers today

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has said presentation of nomination papers for October 7 by-elections to returning officers will take place today, starting from 8am to 4pm.

In a press statement signed by MEC chief elections officer Willie Kalonga, the commission says returning officers will be stationed at Goliati Primary School for Thyolo East Constituency and Mdeka Primary School for Blantyre North Constituency while the centre for Lisanjala Ward is Machinga LEA School.

The other centres are Ganya Teachers Development Centre (TDC) for Kandeu Ward, Chankhozi TDC for Lifupa Ward, Mbalachanda TDC for Mbalachanda Ward and Majaliro TDC for Zgeba Ward.

“Candidates who were duly nominated in Blantyre North Constituency and the wards where the elections were postponed for various reasons are reminded to submit their letters of intent to contest before 4pm on September 9 2014 to the returning officers,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, registration of voters and inspection of voters’ roll exercise in the two constituencies and seven wards ends today.

In a statement, MEC says all eligible voters who have not registered or verified their names should present themselves at their respective centres before the closing time as there will be no extension to the exercise.

“Eligible registrants are those who have attained the voting age after May 20 2014 or will turn 18 on the polling day, October 7 2014.

“The commission will not register anyone who was eligible to register during the last registration exercise, but failed to do so for whatever reason,” reads the statement in part.

MEC has said it will not accept registrants or transfers from outside the constituencies or wards where the elections are taking place.