By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, June 11, Mana: District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko, has advised aspiring contestants for parliamentary and local government elections to ensure they abide by the laws that govern electoral processes, as Malawi aspires for free, fair, and credible general elections on September 16.

Mdooko was speaking on behalf of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice, Annabel Mtalimanja, on Wednesday in Blantyre during briefing sessions on the nomination process for aspiring contestants in the presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.

“There are laws that govern electoral processes. As such, all aspiring contestants, regardless of their political affiliations, must abide by these laws.

“Where you don’t understand them, doors for MEC are open for engagement,” said the District Commissioner

“We have so many aspiring contestants that are standing for local government elections, parliamentary elections on both political party and independent tickets. We believe they need to have accurate information regarding electoral processes so that they can effectively participate in the elections,” he said, expressing hope that the briefing was of great essence to all the aspirants.

The DC, who is also the Returning Officer, encouraged the contestants to promote peace and tolerance as well as conduct issue-based campaigns when MEC launches the campaign period.

One of the aspiring contestants for the Blantyre Southwest constituency, Professor John Chisi hailed MEC for the briefing sessions, calling for continuous engagement.

The briefing session, among others, covered areas such as eligibility criteria, certification of persons with disabilities, the nomination process, correct filling of nomination papers, and the electoral code of conduct for candidates.