By George Mponda

Karonga, March 21, Mana: Karonga Acting District Commissioner (DC) Frank Mkandawire has urged officials who will be involved in the upcoming local government by-election in the district to be professional for the by-election to be free, fair and credible.

Mkandawire, who is also the District Elections Coordinator for Karonga, was speaking Thursday when Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Karonga District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) met on the impending by-elections.

"Elections are a serious business hence DEST members and everyone engaged in this exercise should be committed and professional in paying attention to details for the process to go smoothly.

“We need to follow all rules and regulations as stipulated in the Presidential Parliamentary Local Government Elections (PPLGE) Act and in so doing, Karonga will host a credible by-election which is slated for March 26," said Mkandawire.

He also warned DEST members against being involved in malpractices that can undermine the electoral process.

MEC's Regional Elections Officer in the north, Diverson Makwete, said when everything goes well in the field, MEC takes the credit but it is individuals on the ground who do the work.

"The Commission appreciates the work which has already been done for it to continue achieving its mission of delivering credible elections that are free, fair, transparent, inclusive, efficient, and cost-effective to entrench democratic values in Malawi," said Makwete.

He added that although many have been involved in the process for a long time, the elections field is dynamic and there will always be new ideas and approaches introduced.

"There have been some changes to the electoral laws; for example, closing time of polling has been changed from 6pm to 4pm hence I urge you to pay attention to all details shared by MEC," said Makwete.

He further urged DEST members and MEC staff to be impartial, corteous and polite to all electoral stakeholders.

The local government by-election, which is expected to take place in Rukulu, Chilanga and Kapolo Wards in the district, will be held following conviction of three ward councilors who were found guilty of fraudulently pocketing K2.4 million from vendors in exchange for plots.