MEC lauds CCJP as it declares By-elections credible

The Malawi Electoral Commission has lauded the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) for providing massive support in their pursuit for a credible and peaceful by-election, that was conducted last Tuesday in some parts of the country.

Speaking when announcing the official results of the by-elections today, MEC chairperson Commissioner Chifundo Kachale, recognized the efforts made by CCJP in among others strengthening Multiparty Liaison Committees as well as its observer role.

He said this reduced cases of violence during the campaign period and the polling day.

“On its part, when the violent skirmishes were reported, MEC moved in swiftly to convene a Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) meeting. The Commission commends CCJP for supporting the MPLC meetings to try and quell these disturbing occurrences” He said.

Indeed, CCJP has made several pre-elections engagement in preparation for the polling day. In Chikwawa Diocese, the Commission, now operating under the Social Services Directorate, conducted a number of meetings with MPLC of Chikwawa and the District Electoral Stakeholders Team; with Funding from MISEREOR.

Lewis Msiyadungu, CCJP Projects Coordinator believes their efforts have helped to promote a peaceful coexistence among people of varied party colours ahead of the polls.

“Through Our last engagement with the MPLC convened at Makhuwira East, for example, we urged party players to peacefully coexist during campaign period. We called for policy based campaign and encouraged the campaigners to refrain from making mudslinging and defamatory statements which are always recipe for violence”

CCJP also played an observer role where it placed roving monitors in Chikwawa East, Nsanje North and Nsanje Central constituencies. They also had observers at districts tally centres.

Different stakeholders, MEC inclusive, have described the just ended elections as overly free and Fair despite some few shortcomings during the polling day.

These include the temporally suspension of voting at Nsumba polling centre in Nsanje Central due to some misunderstandings among party monitors. The suspension was lifted after two hours as reported by their Roving Monitor, Fr Bzakulima.

According to MEC official results, Rodrick Khumbanyiwa of United Democratic Front has carried the day in Chikwawa east with 7584 votes. Masautso Chizuzu of Malawi Congress Party emerged winner in Chikwawa North with 9866 votes while Kafandikhale Mandevana of the same party won in Nsanje Central with 8230 votes.

Elsewhere, Felix Kaira has won for Karonga North West, Arnold Kadzanja for Ntchisi North, Chikumbutso Belekanyama for Lilongwe Nsinja South, and Bizwick Million for Zomba Changalume. On the other hand, Richard Mulingano and Lucius Elai are councillors for Chikakale and Liviridzi ward, respectievely.