Chilima’s name transferred to Likoma

When Vice President Saulos Chilima who is also the leader of UTM went to cast his vote at St. Thomas Polling Centre in Area 18 in Lilongwe City, he was told that his name was not found in the voter’s roll.

After about 40 minutes of trying to locate his name to no avail, Chilima was allowed to vote because MEC officials were convinced beyond doubt that he is a registered voter.

It was later discovered that Chilima’s name had been transferred to Chikweo School in Chizumulu Island in Likoma District. Further investigations revealed that the name was transferred by one of MEC’s temporary staff. This, however, is despite the fact that Chilima never asked to have his name transferred to Likoma.

MEC has since instituted an investigation into the matter.MEC chairperson Justice Jane Ansah admitted that she has received the report on the matter.

Addressing the media in the morning at the national tally centre, Comesa Hall in Blantyre, Ansah, said MEC will find out the motive behind the illegal transfer of Chilima’s name.

Ansah explained that Chilima’s name was transferred between December 2018 and January 2019 during the voter verification period.

Commenting on the voting progress, Ansah assured the nation that the voting started well and was expecting that it will go on well without any disruptions and disturbances.

Meanwhile, MEC has announced that students, prisoners, drivers and others who are working away from where they registered are allowed to vote elsewhere upon production of a valid voter certificate which will be verified by dialling *2019#.

Ansah cautioned the public to guard against taking pictures of marked ballot papers and posting them on social media.