MEC wants law to deregister inactive Malawi political parties
Pollster, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is proposing tough laws that would see inactive political parties being deregistered.
MEC chairperson Mackson Mbendera said on Wednesday during the official announcement of by-elections results that out 59 registered political parties in Malawi, only three participated in the parliamentary by-election in Zomba Chisi and local government by-elections in Lilongwe and Mchinji.
“If they can’t participate in elections, what are they here for,” wondered Mbendera.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the main opposition, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the People’s Party participated in the parliamentary by-election whilst MCP and DPP participated in the two local government by-elections.
The DPP won the parliamentary by-election whilst the MCP won the local government by elections.
Mbendera said only 19 out of the 59 registered political parties participated in the 2014 general election.
Mark Katsonga, president of PPM told a radio station recently that him and his party go on political sabbatical leave after a general election to give the winning president and party embark on development programmes without political hindrance.
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While MEC {Mbendera} may be right but we should not forget that freedom of association is inshrine in our constitution. As for most of the political parties are already dead naturally leave them. As for MEC you are the referree who officiate the game between two teams, i dont think its your duty to propose who to play who for you to officiate, our democracy is not stable, that gives room for new political parties to be formed,
Umodzi party kkkkkkkkk
THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE YOU RIGGED THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS LAST TIME THEY DONT TRUST MEC ANYMORE
Why worry they are constructively deregisted already on their own like UDF is already deregistered from their conduct. Why deregister them again kikikikiki
Tikonze kaye ma national ID then parties should show evidence of existence of set minimum membership levels e.g 30% of eligible voters. 2,Parties that fail to field candidates in 25% of constituencies for 2 consective general elections be automatically deregistered before the 3rd G.E
Why participate when it’s a foregone conclusion that mec chooses the winner by not following its own rules? Any wonder that the same mentality spilled over to fam’s elections? Ma judge apa Malawi amenewo!
It is Maxon Mbendera that needs to be de-barred and de-registered as a law practitioner in Malawi!
Is Chimkwita a life Mec executive. No. This guy should go to retirement
what is you interest mec? Political parties are part of the democratic process in any country. While too many may not be the best scenario, I think legislating political parties on the basis of active or inactive does not do just to political dynamics in Malawi. What should a party that has no seat in parliament be doing in between a five year period? I think the measure of which party is credible or not should always be decided by the electorate at each successive election, not through “tough legislation.” How much harm do they do by remaining registered? Does… Read more »
A mbendera, iyi si ntchito yanu. inu kwanu nkuyendetsa zisankho, better still do fest ya 50+1% kuti president awine, zinazi MUZALIRA NAZO