Voters participate in political party strength litmus test by-elections

About 68000 voters are Tuesday heading to polling stations iin Zomba, Lilongwe and Mchinji, crucial by-elections seen as litmus test for major political parties in Malawi since the 2014 general election.

Over 25000 voters are heading to Zomba Chisi where the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is holding a parliamentary by-election following the death of its legislator, Chidzaro Peter Mangulenje who was also, until his death, deputy secretary general for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

There are also local government by-elections in Lilongwe Ngala where its councillor resigned and Mchinji Mtope where a councillor passed away.

The two wards are in Malawi Congress Party (MCP) stronghold.

Spokesman for Malawi Electoral Commission Sangwani Mwafulirwa said there are two voters roll at each polling station, one for MEC staff and the other one for monitors to check those coming to vote.

He also asked employers to release their workers for the exercise and reminded voters not to put on party regalia when going to vote as this is against the laws and they can be arrested.

The ruling DPP is battling it out with the main opposition, the Malawi Congress Party, the Peoples Party and independent candidates.
The United Democratic Front is not fielding any candidate in any of the by-elections.

Mec Stringer Given Chichitike says polling Centres opened at 6am and polling started smoothly in Mtope ward in Mchinji.

Chichitike says few individuals queued to vote early in Mtope Ward.

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