MEC cancels Mchinji West by-election: No funding from Malawi govt

Pollster, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has cancelled the May 10 Mchinji West by-election because of lack of funding from government.

MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said they have not yet received funding for the exercise.

Political commentator Rafiq Hajat condemned the government for failng to fund MEC for the by-election saying that is flouting the Republican Constitution as people of Mchinji West are denied their right to parliamentary representation.

Spokesperson for treasury Nations Msowoya claimed the government has not received request for the by-election funding.

Mchinji West fell vacant after its member of parliament Kanjira Banda died suddenly of heart attack, a day after attacking First Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje.

All MEC commissioners except the chairman leave office on May 18 but President Peter Mutharika has said names of new office bearers will be announced before May 18.

It is not know how much MEC is looking for to hold the byelection but a recent by election in Zomba and three local government by elections cost the tax payer K250 million.