“In view of this, they [political parties]should ensure that candidates meet all the qualifications under the electoral laws,” said  Chief Elections Officer, Sam Alfandika in a statement that was inviting for nomination papers for interested candidates for the by elections in Lilongwe South Constituency and Matenje Ward in Kasungu North West Constituency.

The nomination papers presentation  exercise is slated for this Wednesday, and MEC  will receive the papers at Malingunde TDC for Lilongwe South Constituency and Chulu TDC for Matenje Ward.

“The Commission is further encouraging all aspirants to take their nomination papers to the above-mentioned places for pre-inspection on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 4PM.

“Candidates who were already accepted to contest in Lilongwe South Constituency should ensure that they have presented a letter expressing interest to contest by close of business on October 16, 2019 to the Constituency Returning Officer. Failure to do so shall mean that they are no longer interested to participate as candidates in the by-elections,” said Alfandika.

MEC cancelled parliamentary election in Lilongwe South Constituency during the May 21 polls because of the death of UTM candidate, Agnes Penemulungu.

Meanwhile, opposition UTM  Party says it has not yet decided whether to field a parliamentary candidate in Lilongwe south constituency by-election.

UTM publicist Joseph Chidanti Malunga said they were still not comfortable with the current MEC managing the by-election. The party was yet to conduct primary elections.

On their part, both ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) said they were ready for the polls.

DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi said the party’s candidate Frank Mazizi was tipped to win. 

MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka said: “We have no choice but secure the parliamentary seat despite our misgivings with MEC holding the poll.”