PP ponders over by-elections over MEC’s credibility
Former ruling People’s Party (PP) says it is reconsidering its desire to participate in the forthcoming by-elections in two constituencies and five wards after questioning the credibility of Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) to conduct free and fair elections.
Mec has been under fire following numerous irregularities that marred the controversial May elections won by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
In an interview PP’s Publicity Secretary, Ken Msonda confirmed the party’s leadership was currently deliberating on whether to take part in the by-elections set for October 5th, 2014.
“Mec’s credibility to conduct credible and fair elections following the 20th May electoral mess is questionable,” said Msonda, adding “The party leadership is yet to come up with a decision whether to take part in the forthcoming by-elections or not.”
Earlier on, PP indicated that it will participate in the by-elections in all concerned constituencies and wards with Secretary General, Paul Maulidi as one of its candidates.
Meanwhile, Msonda has differed with various electoral stakeholders who are claiming party monitors contributed to the elections mess that resulted into fracas at some polling stations especially in Blantyre where electorates burnt ballot papers and other electoral materials.
He, however, blamed Mec and presiding officers it hired to conduct elections for the mess.
“To claim that party monitors messed up the elections, that line of thought is undemocratic and misplaced. It is an insult to hard working citizenry parties engaged as monitors. You mean from Chitipa to Nsanje, Khotakota to Mchinji party monitors were illiterate therefore didn’t know what to do?” wondered Msonda.
Mec is expected to hold by-elections in Thyolo East and Blantyre North constituencies, Lisanjala Ward in Machinga Likwenu constituency, Kandeu Ward in Ntcheu North East constituency, Lifupa Ward in Kasungu West, Mbalachanda Ward in Mzimba Central and Zgeba Ward in Karonga Nyungwe constituency.
The Commission has started conducting voter registration and inspection of voters roll in the two constituencies and five wards.
