Opposition monitors shun Mzuzu registration exercise over allowance
Some political party monitors belonging to the United Democratic Front(UDF) Democratic progressive Party(DPP) and Alliance for Democracy(Aford) and Malawi Congress Party(MCP) are shunning the electoral registration exercise currently under way in Mzuzu over the unpaid allowances.
The development risks parties missing out on the scrutinizing as to which candidates are eligible to register to win the 2014 tripartite elections.
A visit by the Malawi Electoral Commission(MEC) stringer on Monday and Tuesday at Mbawemi Community Based organization(CBO) in Chibanja South, Katoto Primary School, Masasa school, Zolozolo saw the institutions flooded by the Peoples Party (PP) monitors, National Institute of Civic Education (NICE)National Rainbow Coalition(NARC) and the Church and Society monitors of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia.
In separate interviews, the electoral supervisor at Mbawemi centre Grace Simkonda and MEC Quality Control manager (QCM) Alick Chaera confirmed that the four big political parties in the country were not represented in the exercise saying no reason was given for their shun.
But a senior UDF official at Mzuzu Regional office revealed to the stringer that the party’s monitors have refused to render an Eagles eye saying unless they are paid the 2009 registration allowances.
The official did not say how much was not given in 2009 but said it was a huge sum.
UDF Regional Governor for the North Kawenje Chirwa confirmed in a telephone its monitors shunned the process but was quick to say it was the duty of the aspirants to meet the welfare of the monitor and not the party.
Afords’ Regional Chairman for the north George Mwanza blamed the missing on the party’s gurus disagreements following the protested convention some months ago in Mzuzu.
MCP’s chair for the North Herbert Mwanza said names were presented to Mzuzu city council and MEC but was to find out what happened. Peoples Progressive Movement (PPM) Chair Meza Mbizi said the party is yet to discuss the issue with their party President Mark Katsonga Phiri currently in the north.
The development comes barely two days after Commissioners Reverend Emmanuel Chinkwita Phiri and Mezuwa Banda on Monday told parties at the Multiparty Liaison Committee to ensure monitors were well looked after for successful elections
