MEC Urges Stakeholders to Disseminate Accurate Information Ahead of By-Elections
The Malawi Electoral Commission emphasizes the role of stakeholders in providing accurate information ahead of upcoming by-elections.
MANGOCHI, MALAWI —The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has called on its stakeholders to help disseminate accurate information regarding elections in the country, write Francis Banda and Winston Mwale.
MEC Commissioner Francis Kasaila made the call during the opening of a briefing on electoral laws for members of political parties, CSOs, faith and religious leaders, NICE volunteers, and chiefs from Mwasa Ward in Mangochi on Saturday.
Kasaila highlighted the role of political party leaders, and traditional and faith leaders, stating that they are trusted by the community. He said that the MEC wanted to avoid any issues or cases that might arise from a lack of awareness of the new laws.
"We have to make sure that people in these wards are aware of the laws. Otherwise, we will have a lot of issues, a lot of cases that we want to try and avoid," he said.
He added that the MEC had a robust program to inform every Malawian of the new laws, especially ahead of the 2025 general elections.
One of the major changes, Kasaila said, is the introduction of the 50-plus-1 voting system for presidential candidates.
"What are the major changes? The major changes are well known. One is that you have a 50-plus-1 voting system now. In 2020, there was no provision that properly provided for 50 plus 1. Now that the constitution has been amended, we now have a clear provision that if you are to be declared the winner of a presidential election, you must have more than 50 percent of the votes cast," he explained.
Kasaila also said that the voting time had been changed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and that nomination forms would only be issued to candidates who have paid the required fees.
He urged stakeholders to help disseminate this information to the public so that everyone is aware of the changes and can participate in the electoral process.