PAC takes a swipe at MEC for disenfranchising people

Multi-faith body and governance watchdog,  the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has taken a swipe at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for postponing by-elections initially set for June 6.

Spokesperson for PAC Father Peter Mulomole described the move as retrogressive and interference with democracy.

“This is retrogressive to the country’s democracy,” said Mulomole, adding, “when did they realise they do not have the money?”

Malawi Congress Party (MCP)acting spokesperson Eisenhower Mkaka said the decision by MEC to pospone the elections clearly shows the pollster is not independent.

“This shows there is a hand from somewhere which is pulling strings behind the scenes,” he said.

However, ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)spokesperson Francis Katsaira said the party will wait until MEC is funded for the elections to take place.

“There is nothing MEC can do now, the organisation has no money. Let us wait until the money is found,” he said.

Political analyst Joseph Chunga said the move calls for authorities to think of creating an election trust fund so that money is readily available whenever there is need for a byelection.

MEC chair Jane Ansah said the byelections would be held as soon as the government funds the needed K400 million.

The byelections which were slated for June 6 were supposed to be held in Lilongwe south east, Lilongwe Msozi, Mayani ward in Dedza and Mtsiridza ward in Lilongwe.

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