By Alice Ndunya

Machinga, June 12, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has urged aspiring candidates for parliamentary and local government elections to take heed of the nomination process to avoid delays as they prepare to contest for the September 16 general elections.

The plea was made at Machinga District Council Chamber on Wednesday when MEC briefed aspiring candidates and other district electoral stakeholders on nomination process.

During the meeting, MEC, Malawi Council of Disability Affairs (MACODA) and  National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust underscored issues regarding eligibility criteria to contest, protocols for candidates with disabilities, code of conduct for political parties, nomination fees and step by step completion for nomination forms.

District Elections Officer for Machinga, Horrace Chapweteka, said the meeting will help minimise challenges that aspirants face during nomination process.

“We expect aspirants to hand in their nomination forms with confidence knowing they have followed all protocols inline with the electoral laws and regulations,” he said.

Aspiring ward councillor for Mpiri Ward in Machinga North East, Evelyn Lifa Yusuff, commended MEC for organising the meeting describing it as informative.

“Being the first time to aspire for the position, I did not have enough information regarding nomination process. I have now been properly directed,” she said.

Another aspiring candidate for ward councillor, Benito Chilenje,  said he will follow the outlined nomination guidelines accordingly.

“I have learnt that young aspirants for local government elections are required to pay K100,000. This will help me make proper budgeting,” said.

Machinga District Rehabilitation Officer for MACODA, Chester Mtengula, hailed people with disabilities for vying for various elective positions in the district, citing local government and parliamentary elections.

“We appreciate this and we thank MEC for making the elections inclusive. This will encourage a number of people with disabilities to contest.

“Since aspiring candidates with disability are paying half the nomination fee, some organisations will also assist in paying to reduce financial burden that might hinder them from participating,” he said.

NICE Trust Programmes Officer for Machinga, Francis Mugwa, called on aspiring candidates to advocate for peace ahead of the elections.

“I am sure the meeting reminded political parties on the significance of peace and unity during elections period,” he said.

According to MEC, nomination fee for male aspiring candidates for the local government elections is K200,000 whereas female, youth and people with disabilities is K100,000.

Male aspiring candidates for parliamentary elections are expected to pay K2,500,000 while female, youth and persons with disabilities are at K1,250,000.