Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has launched the By-election for Blantyre West Constituency at Chigumukire Primary School.
MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, then made a fervent call to electoral stakeholders to ensure peace, order, and adherence to electoral laws.
The by-elections, which were postponed following the death of aspiring Member of Parliament Michael Chisala, are scheduled for 17 March 2026.
Mtalimanja underscored the need for candidates to focus on issue-based campaign rather than backbiting and castigating each other.
According to her, the campaign period began on 15 January 2026 and will close on 15 March at exactly 6:00 a.m. Voter registration will be conducted from 31 January to 6 February, 2026 while verification of the voters’ register is scheduled for 17 to 18 February.
“Those who were confirmed by MEC are not supposed to file nomination papers, but they have to get a letter expressing their interest to compete in the election from the Constituency Returning Officer before 20th February. New candidates can pay and file their nomination papers fees before 21 February,” she said.
District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko, reiterated that elections are a competition.
Mdooko advised candidates and the electorate to ensure a conducive campaign atmosphere until a winner is elected.
Meanwhile, MEC has also launched by-election at Ighembe in Karonga District.
MEC Commissioner Calorine Mfune said there will be no transfer of voters from one area to another, but eligible new voters will be allowed to register, provided that they will be 18 by polling day.
Karonga District Commissioner Willard Mwambo warned political players against violence, stressing that peace must prevail throughout the campaign period.
The Ighembe by-election follows the nullification of the previous vote after two candidates’ names were missing from the ballot paper.
By Chisomo Break and Blessings Mtika
