Mec wants by-election in Mchinji West on May 10
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it is lobbying for funding to have by-election in Mchinji West Constituency held on May 10 before the expiry of the term of office for its Commissioners on May 18 this year.
The constituency fell vacant following the death of its legislator, Billy Kanjira Banda of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), on March 13 this year.
MEC has since released a draft calendar for the by-election and says it is engaging relevant authorities for funding.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Mec’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said holding of the by-election on May 10 depends on availability of funds.
He said budgeting for the by-election is ongoing and the final figure will be released once finalised.
In the last by-elections that took place on December 22 last year in Zomba Chisi Constituency, Mtope ward in Mchinji and Ngala ward in Lilongwe, MEC spent K200 million.
“The dates in the electoral calendar are provisional and may be revised depending on timing of funding access.
“It has always been the commitment of the Commission to conduct by-elections as soon as possible so that citizens in areas where a vacancy has arisen should have representation either in Parliament or the Local Council,” said Mwafulirwa.
The commission in expected to receive nomination papers of candidates for the election on April 19 and official campaign is expected to begin on April 20.
According to the draft calendar, results for the by-election will be announced on May 11 2016.
Earlier this week, MEC Chairperson Justice Maxon Mbendera said he was hopeful that government through the Treasury will provide funds for the by-election to prevent further delays after the expiry of the term for Mec Commissioners.
