By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has urged individuals who will be involved in the forthcoming by-elections to adhere to electoral laws and regulations to ensure the process is conducted smoothly and credibly.
The commission’s chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, emphasized the importance of respecting the laws governing the electoral process.
Justice Mtalimanja made the appeal at the opening of a two-day training workshop for electoral officials in Dowa, where she highlighted the critical role they play in ensuring that voters exercise their democratic right to vote. She stressed that it is essential for electoral officials to remain impartial and not engage in any activities that could be perceived as biased or unfair.
The MEC chairperson emphasized that any attempts to undermine the electoral process would be considered a serious violation of electoral laws and would attract severe consequences. She urged the officials to be vigilant and report any irregularities or attempts to compromise the process.
One of the participants, Esaul Chilowa from Dedza, expressed his commitment to adhering to the training and ensuring that the by-elections are conducted fairly and without any irregularities. He emphasized the importance of conducting credible elections to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
The MEC is gearing up to conduct by-elections on March 17, 2026, in four constituencies and nine local government wards. The commission has put in place measures to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and credible.
The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies in various constituencies and local government wards, and it is crucial that they are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.
The MEC is working to ensure that all stakeholders, including voters, candidates, and electoral officials, are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the process.
