Malawi pollster sets May 10 for parliamentary by-election
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officials have set May 10 for a by-election in Mchinji West whose legislator died suddenly.
MEC spokesman Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the poll is subject to availability of money.
“We have submitted our plan and budget to the treasury. I hope money will be found for the byelection,” said Mwafulirwa.
The tentative programme for the by-election indicates that the campaign window opens on April 20 and official results would be announced on May 17, a week after the election.
The pollster needs over K200 million to hold the by-election.
Finance ministry spokesperson Nations Msowoya was non commital on whether the money will be made available or not.
MEC chair Maxon Mbendera said the commissioners wanted to hold the by-election before the expiry of their term of office on May 18, 2016.
Mchinji West MP Billy Kanjira Banda collapsed and died suddenly in a church, two days after First Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje sent him out of parliament after a protracted war of words with the deputy speaker.
Doctors said his death was natural.
MEC do a good job. WARNING! MCP is returning its seat.