Written by Maneno Chimulala
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), led by its chairperson Jane Ansah, has settled for July 2, 2020 as the date for the much-awaited fresh presidential elections following the nullification of the 2019 presidential election results by the Constitution Court on 3rd February this year.
In an apparent reference to the Constitution Court order that fresh elections must be held within 150 days from the day of the landmark ruling, Ansah said 2 July is the 149th day from 3rd February.
“Today, I am pleased to announce to you that the Commission has done its groundwork and is ready to hold these elections on 2 July 2020. Please not that 2nd July 2020 is the 149th day from 3rd February 2020,” Said Ansah.
Ansah said MEC shall register those that have turned 18 or will attain voting age by 7 June 2020 or never registered as voters during the 2019 Tripartite Elections and the three by-elections held thereafter.
“All voters who registered during the 2019 Tripartite Elections and the three by-elections held thereafter, need to go and confirm if their names appear in the register for their respective centres.
“Those that have changed residences, should report to the new centres to process transfers,” she said.
Ansah further said that those who lost voter certificates must go and get duplicate certificates at their respective centres.
“All people that lost their voter certificates can go and get duplicate certificates at the centre they registered last time during this time of voter registration. The commission encourages everyone to present themselves for registration on time as it does not have provision for time extension,” said Ansah.
The Constitution Court, comprising five Judges annulled the 2019 presidential elections that saw Peter Mutharika securing a send term in office, arguing it was marred by irregularities.
But MEC filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging Constitution Court ruling, and hearing of the appeal is expected to start mid-April.
Flesh Elections?
Thanks to you Correction made