The acting Director of Elections in DPP Dr Ben Phiri in a statement seen by MBC Online says all inspiring candidates are supposed to submit their interests through constituency governors, district governors and regional governors.

“At its elective conference held from 1st to 3rd July, 2018, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party resolved to hold its Primary elections during the months of August and September, 2018.

In line with the Democratic principles and values guiding the DPP and in collaboration with pronouncement by the Party President and Presidential Candidate in 2019 Tripartite Elections, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, all seats are open and will be competed for in a free and fair primary elections exercise,” reads the statement in part.

The statement further states, in keeping up with its policy to promote women and the youth, DPP specially encourages women and youth aspirants to submit their interests.

According to the statement, one needs to have certain attributes to qualify as a candidate for the primary elections which include: citizen of Malawi, he/she has attained the age of 21 and above and must be an active DPP member.

“The person has not within the last seven years, been adjudged or declared bankrupt by a court of law; has not been adjudged or declared mentally incompetent; must be nominated by at least 50 members of the Party’s Electoral College and the person must meet any other conditions as provided in the Malawi Electoral Laws,” adds the statement.

The press statement further says the party has organized interface meetings in all four regions with aspirants starting from Monday July 23, 2018.