MEC CONRADICT ITSELF ON THE FIRE THAT GUTTED THE BODY’s WAREHOUSE

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has now changed its tune on the fire that gutted the body’s Warehouse in Lilongwe on Tuesday night destroying the disputed votes for Lilongwe South East Constituency .
MEC Chairperson Maxon Mbendera on Wednesday during emergency session which was convened to look at the preliminary report issued about the fire, said the body suspect the arson.

This is contrary to the earlier statement made by the same body through Chief Election Officer Willie Kalonga who was quoted as saying ‘ MEC Commissioner treat the fire incident that destroyed the body’s Warehouse as normal until investigations on the matter are revealed’.

“Having analysed the preliminary reports, the Commission is of the view that, arson cannot be ruled out. In view of the premises, the Commission has formally approached the Inspector General of Police to institute appropriate investigations.

“The Commission wishes to emphasize that all security measures were taken. The official security detail at the warehouse included 10 armed Police Mobile Service (PMS) officers and two Security Guards from SWOOP Security Company per shift”, reads the Wednesday statement in part.

Mbendera also said: “We have been made to understand that the National Intelligence Services (NIS) provided services although this was not agreed with us. Equally there was no prior notification of their involvement”.

Meanwhile the real cause of the fire is yet to be established.