Duty-bearers for more wards in Blantyre
Some duty-bearers in Blantyre have asked Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to increase the number of wards in Blantyre City and rural to enhance development in the areas.
They made the call yesterday at Blantyre Civic Centre and Blantyre Youth Centre where MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale led constituency and ward boundary consultations.
In his contribution, Mapanga Ward councillor Emmanuel Matewere (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP) asked MEC to consider people’s socio-economic status when demarcating the wards and constituencies.
He said: “My ward is vast as it runs from South Lunzu to Nanthoka.
“So, it is difficult for me to coordinate the people and ensure projects are implemented evenly.”
Another councillor, Akima Chipwatali (DPP) of Linjidzi Ward, echoed Matewere’s sentiments, saying there was need to create more wards, but asked MEC to use geographic size and not population.
On his part, Maxwell Chibwana, a group village head from Blantyre City West Constituency, asked MEC to close Blantyre Tax Office and Likhubula Polling centres.
He proposed that the centres be moved to Namiwawa and Mulungudzi primary schools.
In response, Kachale, who is a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said MEC will consider the proposals.
However, he said MEC will not close the tax office polling centre because doing so will infringe the rights of those who vote at the centre.
The consultations are expected to finish tomorrow.
