Election of candidates during Primary Elections

MEC Chief Elections Officer, Mr Willie Kalonga

PRESS RELEASE

(for Immediate release 06/12/2013)

The Malawi Electoral Commission wishes to remind political parties and the general public that as we approach the period for nomination of candidates to contest for the Presidential Election, Parliamentary Elections and Local Government Elections there is eligibility criteria for one to contest in those offices.

The laws provide that for;

1.    OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

No person shall qualify for nomination unless he or she:

·        is a citizen of Malawi by birth or descent;

·        has attained the age of 35 years and or above

·        is a registered voter

2.    OFFICE OF MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

No person shall qualify for nomination unless he or she:

·        is a citizen of the Republic who at the time of nomination has attained the age of twenty-one years and or above

·        is able to speak and to read the English language well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of Parliament;

·        Is a registered voter

3.    OFFICE OF WARD COUNCILLOR:

No person shall qualify for nomination unless he or she:

·        has attained the age of 21years and or more on the day of nomination

·        is able to speak and to read English language well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of the council

·        is a registered voter

Notwithstanding the above conditions, no one shall qualify for nomination to contest in the election of President, Member of Parliament and Ward councillor, if the person:

1.    owes allegiance to a foreign country;

2.    is, under any law in force in the Republic, adjudged or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind

3.    has, within the last seven years, been convicted by a competent court of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude;

4.    is an undischarged bankrupt, having been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in the Republic;

5.    holds, or acts, in any public office or appointment

6.    belongs to, and is serving in the Malawi Defence Forces, the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Prison Service; and

7.    has, within the last seven years, been convicted by a competent court of any violation of any law relating to elections.

The Commission also reaffirms that any person wishing to contest in an election can either be sponsored by a party or can stand as independent.

The public is also reminded that there is no minimum academic qualification for one to contest in the Presidential, Parliamentary or Local Government Elections candidate.

Political parties and the general public are further informed that an aspiring candidate is free to contest in any constituency or ward regardless of where they are registered.

The Commission is urging all political parties to ensure that their candidates meet the criteria to avoid last minute disappointments.

Should there be any need for clarification contact the MEC secretariat on 01 822 033 or email ceo@mec.org.mw .

Willie Kalonga

Chief Elections Officer