MEC to Hold By-Elections in Mwansa Ward and Mtiya Ward on 26 September
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announces by-elections in Mwansa Ward and Mtiya Ward following the deaths of two Councilors.
LILONGWE, MALAWI - The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced on Friday that it will hold by-elections in Mwansa Ward in Mangochi Central Constituency and Mtiya Ward in Zomba Central Constituency on September 26, 2023, writes Winston Mwale.
The by-elections were necessitated by the deaths of Councilors Ramsey Kajosolo of UTM in Mtiya Ward and Edna Yusuf Jose of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Mwansa Ward.
In his address to the nation, MEC Chairman Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale said that the new electoral laws will be applied in the by-elections.
This includes a requirement for candidates to pay their nomination fees at the time of collecting their nomination papers.
The nomination period will run from August 20 to 26, 2023. The last date for the submission of names of representatives and observers for voter registration is August 19, 2023.
“These will be the first elections to be conducted after the enactment of new electoral laws. To that effect, there are a number of changes that will be applied in these by-elections,” said Justice Dr. Kachale.
“I should emphasise this point: pay your nomination fees first in full, not in instalments, then come and collect the nomination papers.”
The MEC also announced that it will be conducting voter registration and inspection in the by-election areas from August 20 to 26, 2023.
All those who are eligible to vote in the by-elections are encouraged to register and verify their details during this period.
The by-elections in Mwansa Ward and Mtiya Ward are expected to be closely contested.
Both wards are strongholds of the UTM and UDF, respectively. It remains to be seen which party will emerge victorious in the by-elections.