Voting day likely to be delayed: Malawi govt struggling to raise K9bn for poll
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) may face postponing the court –sanctioned presidential election slated for next week Tuesday in the wake of logistical problems including budget deficit of K9 billion to finance the polls.
The electoral body is holding a National Consultative Forum (Necof) with electoral stakeholders in Lilongwe and a consensus will be reached on the route map of the new polling day.
The new chairperson for the electoral body Dr Chifundo Kachale wants to deliver a credible election.
Kachale, the High Court Judge who has replaced Justice of Appeal Jane Ansah – who was the source of multiple protests in the country following the nullified 2019 presidential election, will update the Necof on state of preparedness.
Treasury says it is struggling to raise K8.7 billion extra money for the smooth conduct of the presidential poll in six days’ time.
During presentation of the 2020/21 National Budget in Lilongwe last Friday, Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka said donors are not forth-coming to support the elections budget.
However, opposition has warned that this should not be a government excuse to cancel the court-sanctioned June 23 election.
Ministry of Finance spokesperson Williams Banda said the government is however working hard to have the money ready for the election.
“This is a governance issue. It is the wish of Malawians to have this election and we will do all what we can to have the money but as of now, we are struggling to get it,” he said.
However, UTM spokesperson Joseph Chidanti Malunga said this could be a gimmick by the ruling party to dodge the election on June 23.
“We met the MEC chairperson and he assured us that there is no financial hiccups. We will not accept any move to cancel this election on account that there is no money,” he said.
Apart from facing a deficit of about K8 billion, delayed disbursement of funding is another challenge which is affecting some of the activities by the electoral body.
Other electoral stakeholder say hard as it is to endure, the reality is that the preparations by MEC have been dodged by logistical problems and they are playing catch-up.
A two to three weeks delay is being talked about to ensure a credible poll is held.
President Peter Mutharika is facing a stiff challenge from Lazarus Chakwera, a former church cleric who is president of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
To win outright in the fresh polling, a candidate will need more than 50% of the votes.
If no candidates does not, a run-off will be held within 30 days.
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What has the Opposition done to raise funds for Malawi Elections? Nothing! Shame on U. What have u contributed towards this re-run? Zero! Phokoso basi. You should have gone all out to the Donors and various govts to solicit aid, Instead of making empty noises. You just sat phwiii and expected the Government to do everything.
Kodi iwe DPP does not generate money they just allocate how to steal and spend the money. Its tax payers money
Hahaha! M’bale mbwerera izi usaiwale ndi misonkho yathu a Malawi si dollar ya mthumba mwako kapena mwa pitala izi.Mwasakaza Chuma cha a Malawi musovenge!!!!!!!
Even if Mec says K20b government cannot fail it. What about money for chopper where do you take from? All this is our taxpayers money. kabambe comes from thyolo we know what is happening we are here at Capital Hill built by Kamuzu banda. Real States Man
Atenge akufuna kugawana maloya ija ndi ma judge 9billion basic ife tivote
Money amounting to Mk10 billion has been released by the treasury as of today the 18th June 2020.
We are going to vote , Wether someone like it or not but we will cast our votes on 23rd June 2020.
Am afraid Nyasatimes may nolonger be a reliable source of invaluable information. Your reporting is heavily compromised these past weeks. Am just an impartial observer, and its become obvious.
Ifetu pa 23 tivotanso kaya wina afune kaya asafune get emergency loan boma litawine lizalipira
They’re busy telling the general masses of MADERF loans, building stadiums, all which can wait after the election, money will be available
They give billions to namachende mulli but they don’t want to fund election. Bullshit!
Zosatheka! Banks are ready to assist you please
zotilepheretsa kukavotazi week yamawa ino takana.
Money is not for government its for Malawians.Malawians pay tax, its not for DPP.