Malawians Vote in By-elections

People in Malindi ward, Mangochi district and Milonde ward, Mulanje district are casting their ballots to elect councilors in the by-elections.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday morning at Makumba centre in Malindi ward chairperson of Malawi Electoral Commission MEC Dr Jane Ansah said the voting process started well.

Candidates who are contesting in Malindi ward are George Chiwaula Independent, Hassan Chikuta pp, Cassim Limamu UDF and Ambrose Hamisi MCP.

Speaking to Radio Islam after the voting process opened at Makumba polling centre MEC chairperson Jane Ansah said the commission expects violence free and fair elections.

“Let me commend political parties in Malindi ward for conducting peaceful campaign than in Milonde ward where some political parties incited violence,” said Ansah

The MEC chair said she was happy that a chief was the first person to vote at Sungusya centre.

“The commission expects the candidates to accept final results,” Ansah added

National Initiative for Civic Education NICE Trust coordinator in Mangochi Turner Banda concurred with Ansah that the turnout is very good.

Banda believes that more than 50 percent of 17, 075 voters will cast their ballot by the end of the day.

“The large turn up is due to efforts by NICE, MEC and political parties as they mobilized communities to vote for a right candidate,” Banda said

Malindi ward has seven centres such as Makumba with more than 300 voters, Malindi 3043 voters while Sungusya 1700 voters.

The by-election in Malindi ward, Mangochi are being held after the death of UDF counillor in December last year.