Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has said all is set for today’s parliamentary by-election in Lilongwe South constituency.
Mec Director of Media and Communications, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Wednesday said the commission and concerned stakeholders inspected ballot papers and other voting materials.
“In an effort to improve the electoral process and results management, Mec has changed the procedure for identification of presiding officers. To that affect, it advertised the position. However, the commission did not receive adequate applications.
“The commission has resorted to use its experienced staff as presiding officers,” he said.
Five candidates—Peter Dimba of Malawi Congress Party, Julius Grecian (Mbakuwaku Movement for Development), Frank Mazizi Democratic Progressive Party, independents Patson Kachingwe and Samson Phinifolo are vying for the parliamentary seat in the constituency.
The by-elections were postponed last year due to reported cases of violence during the campaign period after Mazizi complained to Mec over violence in the area.
In a statement, Mec Chief Elections Officer, Sam Alfandika, had then indicated that the commission received a complaint regarding the volatile situation in the constituency adding that even Mec members of staff were victims.
The by-election follows the death of Agnes Penemulungu before the May 21 tripartite elections.
Meanwhile, Mec has announced that by-elections a councillor for Liwawadzi Ward, Balaka North, will take place on March 5 2020.
The by-election is taking place in the ward following the death of Thomson Bwanali.