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(NYASATIMES MALAWI) Malawi candidates nomination dates shifted to Jan 26-30

Malawi candidates nomination dates shifted to Jan 26-30
Josh Ashaz
05 December, 2008 01:00:00

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has set a four-day window in January in which presidential and parliamentary candidates will file their nomination papers ahead of May 19, poll, Nyasa Times has gathered.

The electoral body has set 26th to 30th January 2009 as dates for nominations for the country's forthcoming general elections.

Previously, MEC chairwoman Anstanzia Msosa announced that the Commission shall receive nomination papers from presidential candidates on 6th and 7th January 2009 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in Blantyre and that Returning Officers shall receive nomination papers from parliamentary candidates from 5th to 9th January 2009 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm in electoral offices to be established in their respective constituencies.

However, Nyasa Times sources in MEC said the dates have been shifted naming January 26 to 30 as official dates during which nominations shall be lodged with the commission.

Presidential candidates would also be required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of K500, 000 and parliamentary candidates will pay K100, 000.

MEC spokesperson Fergus Lipenga could not immediately comment on the new development.But political scientist Pofela Nyekanyeka urged the commission to release information to the public swiftly.

“MEC should ensure the 2009 polls should not only be free and fair but credible as well. Therefore, preparations should be transparent such as release of information to stakeholders and the electorates,” said Nyekanyeka.

Human rights campaigner Nigel Mwalweni said MEC should publicize its electoral calendar and any of its amendment should be properly communicated to the public in terms of Section 36(1) of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Act no. 31 of 1993 as amended.

“Elections are important test of a democracy. The electorate and all players have a right to information in good time so that they make informed choice,” said Mwalweni.

The Presidential race is expected to be between incumbent Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, standing as the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and former president Dr Bakili Muluzi who heads the United Democratic Front (UDF), the party which propelled Mutharika to power in 2004.

Mutharika will be contesting for presidency for the third consecutive time and also Muluzi it will be his third time to seek the top most job.

The third main contender is John Tembo, leader of the opposition in Parliament and President of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) which ruled Malawi for 31 years of dictatorship.

Other candidates expected are Mark Katsonga Phiri of People’s Progressime Movement and Dindi Gowa Nyasulu of Aford.

Labels: ELECTIONS, MALAWI

posted by MrK @ 5:20 PM