‘Remove non-campaign period before voting’
Alliance for Democracy Karonga District governor Mackenzie Malema has asked the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to remove the 48 hours no campaign period between close of official campaign and polling.
He said this on Saturday at Lughali Primary School during the official launch of the by-election for Lupembe Ward in the district.
Malema said the 48-hour break after the period creates room for political parties to canvass for votes through silent campaign outside the official campaign period.
“I have been in politics for a long time and I have observed that the 48-hour period gives politicians a chance to offer handouts to entice voters. Can’t MEC scrape off this period?” he asked.
In response, MEC commissioner Emmanuel Fabiano said the electoral body does not have legal mandate to remove the non-campaign period before polling day.
“The voting process is guided by the law which is formulated and passed by members of Parliament after several stages,” he said.
Fabiano urged political parties, traditional and religious leaders to mobilise people to register and verify their names to vote for their preferred ward councilor.
The elections are being held to replace councillor Vincent Kayuni who died in December last year.
MEC is expected to hold by-elections on August 23 this year in three wards, namely Wenya in Chitipa Wenya, Shire in Balaka Central East and Lupembe in Karonga Central.
