Hara, Kalemba resign as elections coordinators

Chief Executive Officer of Lilongwe City Richard Hara and District Commissioner Charles Kalemba, have resigned as Elections Coordinators following the violence and verbal abused that occurred in Lilongwe yesterday.

According to a press statement issued by five political parties—Malawi Congress Party (MCP), People’s Party (PP), United Democratic Front (UDF), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) in conjunction with Center for Multiparty Democracy, MEC staff were harassed and verbally abused by political parties’ representatives and were also teargased by the police.

The two, Hara and Kalemba were harassed and almost manhandled by the people.

“MEC staff were illegally searched and had some documents confiscated,” the statement reads in part.

According to the five parties and MEC, the confiscated documents included letters authorizing MEC staff to vote where they will be stationed.

The parties have condemned the violence and have asked the police to publicly condemn what happened since the violence and verbal abuse happened in full view of the police.

Malawians go to polls tomorrow to vote for president, members of parliament and councillors. It is the first time that Malawi is holding tripartite elections.

There are 12 hopefuls that are vying for the position of president.

POlitical Parties Statement by John Richard Kasalika