Parties tell MEC to consult before shifting Malawi poll date

Political parties participating in the June 23 court-sanctioned presidential election and analysts have tipped Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consult before shifting the poll date due to logistical problems.

MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale and other commissioners last week met all presidential candidates in the election to warn them of possible logistical challenges ahead.

At a press briefing, Kachale did not rule out postponing the election, although he said this was not a priority.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Maurice Munthali said there was need for massive sensitization to people on the change of the date.

“People have 23 June as the date for the election so if we are to change, we really need to sensitize them,” he said.

Mbakuwaku president Peter Kuwani said all what the presidential candidates want is a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

“Whether the election is postponed or not, it does not matter much but we want an election whose results would be accepted by us all,” he said.

Political commentator Humphrey Mvula said there was need to consult all stakeholders widely before the decision to change the poll.

Kachale said the pollster is facing huge logistical challenges, saying MEC is seeking alternative suppliers of electoral materials.

“We are also revising capacity of some of the suppliers,” he said.

He said MEC is yet to receive 72,000 security seal padlocks, 15,000 polling booths and 12,000 rubber bands from abroad.