Justice Jane Mayemu Ansah, S.C addressed media on the upcoming by-elections in Lilongwe South Constituency and Liwawadzi Ward in Balaka.
Lilongwe South Constituency by-elections
As you might be aware by-elections have failed to take place twice in Lilongwe South. At first, it was postponed due to the death of one of the contestants, Mrs Agnes Penemulungu who was a UTM candidate during the May 21 elections. Later, the Commission had planned to hold the election on November 5, 2019 but it was also postponed on 29th October 2019 because of violence and intimidation that characterized the campaign period.
Following this postponement, the Commission engaged stakeholders including contesting candidates, Chiefs, the Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) and the secretary generals of contesting political parties through the Centre for Multiparty Democracy. Everyone expressed concern and deep regret with the violence that marred the process. They all assured the Commission that they will engage their subjects on the need to maintain law, peace and order during elections.
All Chiefs in Lilongwe South Constituency wrote the Commission, urging it to conduct the by election as soon as practically possible. This letter was received by the Commission on 5th January 2020. In their letter, which was also copied to the District Commissioner for Lilongwe and contesting candidates, the Chief reiterated that continued lack of parliamentary representation in the constituency has negatively affected development.
Apart from the Chief, the MCP candidate also wrote the Commission, pleading with us to hold the by-election in Lilongwe South Constituency without further delay, citing several reasons behind such a call. I will share both letters to the Press for information and appreciation.
From the stakeholders’ consultation meetings and letters from the chief and MCP candidate for the constituency, the Commission met and has resolved that by-elections should be held on Thursday, 30th January 2020. As communicated last time that the process shall resume from where we stopped, there will be no registration of new voters or nomination of candidates. In accordance with electoral laws, the official campaign will end at 6am on 28 January 2020.
Jane Ansah said The Commission had planned for a meeting with all stakeholders in Lilongwe South Constituency in the afternoon where they were to explain more details.
However, I should mention here and give out a stern warning that the Commission will not tolerate any acts that will jeopardize the process of holding a free, fair, credible and peaceful election. Anyone found engaging in such acts will be barred from participating in the electoral process. If he is a candidate, he will be disqualified.
Liwawadzi Ward by-elections
Ladies and gentlemen, you might be aware that Liwawadzi ward in Balaka North Constituency ward fell vacant following the death of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Councilor Thomson Thomas Bwanali on 25th October 2019.
I wish to announce that the Commission has planned to hold a byelection in the ward on 5th March 2020 to fill the existing vacancy. In preparation for this by-election, the Commission shall hold a stakeholders’ meeting on 28th January 2020 in the ward where it shall provide all information about the election process and release the electoral calendar. Concluding remarks
The Commission is committed to delivering its mandate as provided for in the law. The Commission appreciates the roles played by various electoral stakeholders in achieving this. It is our sincere expectation that we will a join hands to make the forthcoming byelections a success.
