EC rejects UDF candidate: Drama at Mzimba nominations
There were refreshing moments during the nominations of candidates in the Mzimba South Constituency when they tried to outshine each other on Friday at Edingeni Teachers Development Centre to District Commissioner Reverend Moses Chimphepo.
Malawi Electoral Commission however rejected a candidate for United Democratic Front (UDF) Maggie Chipeta . She was rejected for not providing evidence that she is a Malawian and is able to speak English when taking an oath administered by a magistrate to prove her personal details.
The chairperson of the electoral body, Justice Anastasia Msosa when she launched the by-elections urged interested candidates to consult with the Constituency Returning Officers to make sure that they have filled the forms correctly and avoid last minute hiccups.
The candidates paid a nomination fee of K100,000 which is refundable when a candidate amasses more than five percent of votes cast.
Ruling People’s Party (PP) candidate Raymond Nkhata had most supporters at the nomination and cheered.Nkhata, 37,is an internal auditor at the Malawi Rural Finance Company.
A cow was slaughtered for the supporters which was provided by Vice President Khumbo Kachali. DPP acting President Peter Mutharika did the same for his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Ronald Chavula.
Chavula’s nomination was a dull affair but attracted laughter after a vehicle he was using broke down.
Independent candidate James Nthara who pulled out of PP primaries came with his chanting supporters riding a Cadillac six-door limousine waving from the open roof, attracting attention of many.
Another candidate who presented his nomination was Baxter Mazunda.
By-elections are scheduled for October 9 to replace Khumbo Kachali following his appointment as Vice-President in the Joyce Banda administration.
The official campaign is scheduled to start from 6.00am on September 6, 2012 and end on 06.00am on 7 October, 2012. Polling will be on October 9 while results are expected to be announced on October 10, 2012, according to the Electoral Commission.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
