Finance Ministry refuses to release funds for bye-elections

Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development says it
cannot release funds for local government by-elections which
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) would like to conduct on June 23.

In an interview the ministry’s spokesperson Nations Msowoya said MEC did not budget for the by-elections hence making it difficult for the
ministry to release funds anyhow.

” The treasury does not have that money therefore we cannot promise that we will give MEC,” said Msowoya.

The by-elections which are supposed to take place in Luchenza, Zomba, Msikisi in Mangochi; Chibanja in Mzuzu and Khwawa in Karonga were estimated to cost MEC K403
million.

In a press release issued last Friday MEC said it would be unable to
prepare for the exercise due to delay by government in releasing funds for the by-elections within the current financial year.

Mec has since postponed the registration and voter verification
exercise which was supposed to commence on May 8 and finish on 12.

Meanwhile, Malawi Electoral Support Network (Mesn)
has called upon Mec to consider shifting the date for the
by-elections.

In a statement Mesn Chairperson Steve Duwa state that the postponement will provide ample time for all stakeholders to prepare thoroughly.