Aford wants Malawians in diaspora to vote in 2019
Rebranded Alliance for Democracy (Aford) wants Malawians in diaspora to vote in the 2019 general election.
Some members of Aford living in South Africa told party leader Enoch Chihana that they would want to participate in the elections and vote for the party of their choice.
There was no immediate comment from government on the issue but professor of law at Chancellor College Edge Kanyongolo said that cannot be a problem.
“It is a matter of just adding one or two laws in the existing electoral laws, indicating where the voting should take place,” he said.
He said some countries use their missions abroad as voting places, saying in the absence of foreign missions, host countries can provide places where Malawians can cast their vote.
Kanyongolo said in most cases, governments are very skeptical of planting polling booths abroad in fear of vote rigging.
“But vote rigging takes place in the country. Let Malawians in diaspora enjoy their right to vote,” he said.
The Malawi Electoral Commission is making some changes to the electoral system which include 50+1 voting system and only those with a first degree will be eligible to contest for the presidency.
However, the issue of Malawians in diaspora is not in the cards.
Good idea but logistically impractical to implement in the short term. Lets deal with the issue of National IDs first for all eligible Malawians including those in diaspora.
Its happening in every country. Even Zambians diasporas do vote. What is Malawi gocernment afraid av. We are Malawians voting is the right for every citizen.
This is the Aford I know! First with brilliantly original ideas, just like in 1992! The rest especially Udf just copy and paste.
Please Mr Chihana and your AFORD party how do you weigh yourself against MCP, DPP, UDF and PP????? do you see yourself surpassing such strong political parties?????. My advice to you is this,,,,,, just attach yourself to one the the above mentioned parties and you will succeed… otherwise you are just playing a losing game.