The wards; Luchenza in Luchenza Municipal Council, Zomba Centra in Zomba City Council, Msikisi in Mangochi Town Council, Chibanja in Mzuzu City Council and Khwawa in Karonga District Council fell vacant after the death of counselors.

The launch for the by-elections meetings was scheduled for April 29 but MEC said in a press statement that the delay in funding has forced to put the launch on hold.

The electoral body has a budget put a budget of K400 million to hold the elections.

“This decision has been reached at because of delayed funding for the by- elections from government. However, stakeholders should note that other preparatory activities for the by-elections will continue as planned,” said the statement, signed by Chief Elections Officer Willie Kalonga.

MEC has assured that despite the postponement of the launch it would not affect the calendar of events.

“The Commission sincerely apologises to all stakeholders for the inconvenience this might cause and is assuring them that it is doing everything possible to ensure that the by-elections slated for June 23, 2015 are a success,” Kalonga said.

In a related development MEC has released a list of calendar of events in the run up to the elections.

Among other things the nomination papers will be available at in the councils from April 30, deadline for submissions of names of monitors May3, registration of voters and updating of the voters’ register 8th -12th May 2015.