No by-elections for Peter, Atupele seats – MEC

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it will serve no purpose to start preparations for bye elections in Thyolo East and Machinga North East  constituencies because the electoral body might not meet the legal requirements to do so.

Thyolo East formerly of DPP Presidential Candidate Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika fell vacant on Thursday following the resignation of Mutharika in fulfilment of the legal requirements on the eligibility of presidential candidates.

Malawi constitutional order 8 (7) e states that an MP cannot seek nomination as Vice President or President.

UDF Presidential torch bearer Atupele Muluzi was the first to relinquish his Machinga North East seat on Wednesday citing the same constitutional order.

MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed the development saying despite the legal hitch up the Commission will have to give a direction.

“By-elections are conducted after the Speaker has gazetted the seat/s as vacant and then the Commission has 60 days to conduct the by-elections,” Mwafulirwa said adding that “Considering that we are going into nominations next week, it may not serve the purpose”.

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