Nov 1 by-elections draw 27 candidates
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has approved 27 candidates out of 28 candidates who showed interest to contest in the November 1 by-elections in Mchinji West Constituency and four wards in Kasungu, Zomba, Lilongwe and Dedza.
Among the 27 candidates, four are women. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) are each fielding five candidates in all the areas where the by-elections will take place; former People’s Party (PP) is fielding four candidates; United Democratic Front (UDF) is fielding three candidates; MUP has one candidate whereas the remaining nine are contesting as independent candidates.
According to a statement signed by MEC acting deputy chief elections officer Thandie Nkovole, Mchinji West Constituency and in Bunda Ward in Kasungu Central Constituency received five nominations each.
The other nominations were three in Kaliyeka Ward in Lilongwe City South East Constituency; eight in Bembeke Ward in Dedza South Constituency; and seven in Sadzi Ward in Zomba Central Constituency.
“Having gone through all the nomination papers and supporting documents, the commission has approved 27 candidates to contest. One candidate from Mchinji West Constituency, Xerxes Fuguredo (UDF), had his nomination papers rejected because he did not register during the 2014 Tripartite Elections,” reads the statement.
However, MEC warns that any candidate will be disqualified belatedly if they get information that could have led to disqualification during nomination stages.
