Malawi conducts by-elections

Dedza National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) has intensified civic and voter education in Bembeke ward to woo eligible voters to take part in the forth coming local government by-election.

According to NICE District Civic Education Officer for Dedza Patrick Siwinda his office has lined up a number of activities to encourage electorates to register and vote.

“We are working with chiefs, religious leaders and different youth forums to make sure that every eligible voter is aware of the importance of taking part in the November 1st by-election,” explained Siwinda.

He then pleaded with Chiefs and electoral stakeholders who reside in areas that share boundaries with Mozambique to make sure that non Malawians are barred from taking part in the by-election processes.

However, Siwinda said lack of coordination between their office and Mec Civic education team in community meetings cause redundancy and duplication of information delivered to electorates therefore has asked for proper work plan from the two teams.

“Currently aspiring candidates are getting nomination papers from MEC district offices and their presentation to ward retuning officer will be done on 17th October,” Siwinda said.

Bembeke ward fell vacant after the conviction of former councilor Davie Lingalawe for tampering with ESCOM prepaid meter to avoid paying bills.

Apart from Bembeke, the by-elections will also take place in Mchinji west constituency, Kaliyeka ward in Lilongwe, Sadzi ward in Zomba and Bunda ward in Kasungu district.