By Pemphero Malimba:
The Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has announced that it will hold by-elections on March 17, 2026 in five constituencies and nine wards across the country.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Mec Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, the five constituencies are Dedza Mtakataka, Lilongwe City Bwaila, Rumphi Central, Nkhotakota Liwaladzi and Blantyre West.
The wards are Chilobwe in Lilongwe, Msitu in Mchinji, Chanda and Chirunga in Zomba, Mikongo in Mangochi, Linthembwe in Dowa, Luwinga in Mzuzu, Ighembe in Karonga and Muonekera in Thyolo.
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“For these by-elections, the commission resolved to open voter registration centres for seven days from 31 January to 6 February 2026.
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“Registration centres will open at 8:00am and close at 4:00pm throughout the period, including on Saturday and Sunday, without observing a lunch break,” the statement says.
It adds that those who registered for the September 16, 2025 elections will not need to register during the by-election registration period.
The statement further says there will be no voter transfers for the by-elections.
It adds that those who were duly nominated to contest in the September 16 polls in the by-election areas, except in Rumphi Central Constituency and Muonekera Ward in Thyolo Goliati Constituency, will not be required to submit new nomination papers.
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Meanwhile, Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has said the forum expects Mec to implement the electoral calendar with transparency, professionalism and strict adherence to the law.
“This includes well-publicised and accessible voter registration, credible administration of the polls, equal treatment of all stakeholders and openness to scrutiny by political parties and observers,” Kondowe said.
He added that the forum and other civil society organisations are expected to promote voter awareness and participation, monitor key stages of the electoral process and engage communities on registration and polling procedures.
In some areas, Mec nullified the elections due to irregularities, in others courts nullified them and called for fresh elections, while in some areas candidates died before polling day.
