MEC urged to probe voter cards ‘buying’
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has been asked to work with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to investigate claims that some politicians are buying voter registration certificates from registered voters.
During a live public debate on Friday evening in Blantyre organised by the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice), MEC confirmed receiving reports of politicians buying voter registration certificates, especially in Chikhwawa.
MEC chief elections officer Willie Kalonga, who was present at the debate, said police were handling the matter.
He added that it was illegal to sale, buy or keep someone’s voter registration certificate.
Kalonga said the suspected offenders, if found guilty, would be punished accordingly.
Participants at the debate, also attended by MEC chairperson Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Maxon Mbendera and representatives of political parties, complained of slow process at some registration centres where eligible voters spend hours on end to register.
In his contribution, opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) publicity secretary Ken Ndanga said the slow process was frustrating such that some people, where centres have already closed for registration, have been left out.
He proposed an extension of time in such centres.
Victor Mhango, a participant, said MEC should reopen centres already closed for registration and observe if people would not turn up for registration.
Blantyre North member of Parliament (MP) Francis Phiso complained that many eligible voters failed to register in his constituency because MEC provided inadequate materials.
One of the MEC commissioners, the Reverend Emmanuel Chinkwita Phiri, who was among the panellists at the debate, said the electoral body was aware of the slow registration process, but argued that occur during the first three days at the opening of the centres.
