By George Mponda

Karonga, June 12, Mana; The Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS), through Child Not Pride Project, has donated balls to 20 primary schools in Karonga District to keep learners active and refrain from bad influence.

Speaking Thursday during a symbolic handover of the donation at Rukuru Primary School, Executive Director for FOCUS, Kosamu Munthali, said the donation is in response to a request by Champions of Change, a grouping of trained youth leaders who mentor and advise their peers, both in and out of school.

"The donation made to beneficiary schools in areas of Paramount Chief Kyungu and Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe aims to promote mental and physical well-being of learners through sports.

“This initiative will also boost learner enrollment hence promoting primary education in the district," said Munthali.

He added that sports can serve as a platform through which youth can engage on issues such as sexual and reproductive health and instilling self-esteem among learners.

Deputy Head Teacher for Rukuru Primary School, Ive Shankhoma, commended FOCUS for the support saying the initiative will enhance learners’ attendance in class.

"Through the Champions of Change initiative, learners encourage each other to be working hard in school. These peer-led discussions have helped learners move away from harmful cultural practices that previously affected their education," Shankhoma said.

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.

By Max Medson

Salima, June 11, Mana:  Political leaders in Salima District have been urged to promote peace and inclusivity as Malawi prepares for its upcoming general elections.

Speaking at a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) briefing session on nomination procedures for aspiring candidates, District Commissioner, James Mwenda emphasized the importance of adherence to electoral guidelines.

Reading a message from MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Mwenda stressed the role of political leaders in ensuring a violence-free election.

He assured stakeholders that all relevant council sectors are committed to upholding fair and peaceful electoral processes.

"We are working closely with the police to ensure peaceful campaigns. Security officers will be assigned to political rallies to guarantee that events are conducted ethically and in line with MEC's regulations," Mwenda said.

In a bid to foster inclusivity, Charles Chipembere from the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) pledged to support the participation of persons with disabilities in the political process.

"As MACODA, we are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities exercise their right to participate in political and public life equally. We will work with MEC to provide the necessary equipment for a smooth nomination process nationwide, in accordance with Section 33 of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024," Chipembere stated.

District Elections Officer, Alinafe Chisenga, revealed that MEC has reduced nomination fees for candidates with disabilities.

"We believe in fair representation. Lowering the nomination fees for candidates with disabilities is part of our effort to ensure that no Malawian is left behind in the political space," she said.

Independent parliamentary candidate for Salima Central East (Maganga Ward), Nasreen Khonat, praised the initiative for addressing challenges faced by female candidates.

"As women, we are often underestimated in political space, especially in parliamentary roles. But this session has reassured me. With support of the council, police, and MEC, I am confident that women can and should take up leadership positions," she said.

With stakeholders across the district reaffirming their commitment to peaceful, fair, and inclusive elections, the district is optimistic for peaceful campaigns and elections.

By Tamala Kamanga

Dowa, June 11, Mana: District Commissioner for Dowa Stallichi Mwambiwa has urged aspiring candidates to contest as Councilors and Members of Parliament in the coming September general elections to uphold peace and calmness during the nomination process.

Mwambiwa made the appeal Wednesday during a meeting organized by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to brief the aspirants on the nomination process, which was held at the council chamber.

"During this period, you are free to come with your supporters for moral support and, where necessary, celebrations, but ensure that neither you nor your supporters engage in any acts of violence.

"If violence arises, the council, in collaboration with the police, will enforce the law without hesitation to ensure the process is free, fair, transparent and successful," he said.

In his remarks, MEC District Elections Officer, Luciano Tiferankhani said MEC organised the meeting to provide aspirants with strategies for easing the registration process and resolving emerging issues.

"We expect this meeting to contribute to minimizing challenges like rejection of nomination papers, which occurs when the required standards on the papers are not met," he said.

One of the independent aspirants for the parliamentary seat in Dowa Mphudzu Constituency, Alisty Litepo Banda, said she was pleased with the meeting as it has enlightened the aspirants to understand the requirements needed to qualify as a candidate in the elections.

She further said that as a leader, she will ensure her followers avoid violence to achieve peace and harmony.

"It is true that leaders set the tone and, if not careful, can create chaos, and followers tend to follow.

"But on my part, I will ensure that in my meetings, I focus on bringing forward ideas that promote development rather than insulting my opponents," she said.

By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, June 11, Mana: Principal Social Welfare Officer for Dedza District Council, Mtende Lungu, has disclosed that his office has so far disbursed K903, 878,500 to the Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries covering three months from April to June.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Lungu advised beneficiaries of the programme to use the money for the intended purpose of alleviating poverty in their households.

According to Lungu, the funds covered all eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.

“We urge our beneficiaries to utilize the provided money properly by, among other things, improving their homes, their domestic animals, and also supporting education for their children,” he stated.

Lungu went on to say that the district has so far 19,592 households who benefited in the phase.

“But it must be noted that this initiative aims at reducing poverty levels among the people in all T/As. It is very important for beneficiaries to join village saving groups, and apart from supporting their children in school, they also need to consider eating the six food groups,” he pointed out.

One of the beneficiaries, Yusesi Mandalamu from Sukasuka Village under T/A Kachere, said she uses the money to support education for the children she lives with.

“I have grandchildren whom I support in different ways, including paying school fees and uniforms,” she stated.

Another beneficiary, Ayisa Kalikokha from Kapesi Village, revealed that she uses the money for small-scale businesses, including baking scones.

“As you can see, I have even come here with my business. At first, I didn’t have start-up capital and am happy that my business is thriving now,” said Kalikokha.

On his part, Helix Maliyoni, from Sukasuka village, said he supports his family by buying farm inputs for irrigation farming so as to sustain themselves.

“We appreciate government and all other partners for considering us with this initiative because it is helping in uplifting our lives,” said Maliyoni.

SCTP is funded by the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to address poverty shocks among the elderly and the ultra-poor.

By Alinafe Kamphika

Neno, June 11, Mana: Aspiring legislator for Neno East, Luke Chimwanza, has called on fellow aspirants to desist from hate speech and they should focus on issue-based campaign ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.

Chimwanza made the remarks during a briefing on electoral process organised by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at the Neno District Health Office conference room on Wednesday.

 “Every aspirant should take the lead in encouraging supporters to maintain peace during the campaign period. Let us prioritise unity and let us avoid speech that can incite division,” he added and further advised political parties and candidates to inform relevant authorities in advance about their planned rallies to avoid clashes over venues.

Neno Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent, Madalitso Chikwatu, said there was a need for the aspirants and their supporters to abide by electoral laws and best practices are in line with democracy to ensure violence-free electoral process.

“Neno is known for peace. Let us maintain that by not letting politics divide us. Supporters listen to their leaders, so please remind them not to confront or stone police officers who are only there to ensure peace and order,” the Officer In Charge added.

Neno District Elections Officer, Nodi Mwale, explained the nomination fees for aspiring candidates, with male parliamentary aspirants required to pay K2.5 million, while women, youth, and persons with disabilities are expected to pay K1,250,000.

Men vying for Local Government Election are expected to pay K200,000 while women, youths and people with disabilities ready to also contest in the local government polls are expected to pay K100,000.

During the meeting, aspiring parliamentarians, ward councillors and other stakeholders agreed on important guidelines to follow to advance peace and unity to prevent violence in the electoral process.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to avoid hate speech, obtaining clearance letters from the District Commissioner for each campaign rally to avoid confrontation at campaign venues.

Apart from the aspiring contestants, key district-level stakeholders such as District Election Supervisory Team also attended the MEC-organised briefing session at Mwanza DHO.