By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has emphasised the importance of capacity building for Election Management Device (EMD) operators as the Commission steps up preparations for the March 17 by-elections in selected parts of the country.
Speaking on Monday during a training session for operators in Mponela ahead of the nomination process, Mtalimanja said EMD operators play a critical role in ensuring that the nomination process is conducted in a credible and transparent manner.
“They need to continue working with diligence, integrity and professionalism in line with the values of the Commission.
“The Commission is committed to delivering free, fair and credible elections to the people of Malawi, including the by-elections.
“Operators must therefore fully understand their roles and prepare to carry out their duties in a way that positively contributes to this commitment,” she said.
Mtalimanja added that MEC is ready to deliver credible by-elections, noting that all preparatory activities are underway and on schedule.
One of the participants, Noel Chirwa, commended MEC for organising the training, saying he is ready to work with diligence and professionalism to help ensure free, fair and credible by-elections.
The constituencies where the by-elections will be are Rumphi Central, Blantyre West, Dedza Mtakataka, Lilongwe City Bwaila and Nkhotakota Liwalazi. The wards include Iyembe ward in Karonga Songwe constituency, Luwinga ward in Mzuzu City North constituency, Chilobwe ward in Lilongwe Chilobwe constituency, Muonekela ward in Thyolo Goliati constituency, Linthembwe ward in Dowa Ngara constituency, Msitu ward in Mchinji South constituency, Mikongo ward in Mangochi North East constituency, Chanda ward in Zomba Chikomwe constituency, Chilunga ward in Zomba City North constituency.
According to MEC,the constituencies and wards became vacant for various reasons including postponement of electoral processes by the Commission, death of duly nominated candidates sponsored by political parties, nullification of the elections by the Commission, court orders and judgements either nullifying the elections or decisions by the commission, and a winning candidate assuming another public office.
The Commission allocated seven days for the by-elections voter registration which ran from January 31 2026 to February 6 2026.