MEC to investigate Chilima’s personal assistant over rigging claims in the by-elections

Malawi Election Commission (MEC) has promised to investigate claims that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) wanted to rig the by-elections in Mchinji West Constituency.

MEC assurance comes following reports that the ruling DPP hired one of Vice President Saulos Chilima’s assistants identified as Moses Kuchingale to rig the by-elections.

According to published reports, Kuchingale was seen moving around in three poling Centre in Mchinji using government vehicle while putting on MEC jacket and badge.

In retaliation, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials led by lawmaker Richard Chimwendo Banda chased away Kuchingale before launching a formal complaint to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

When asked for comment on the matter, MEC spokesperson Richard Mveriwa said the commission was investigating the Kuchingale matter.

“We are still investigating the matter as to how the VP’s personal assistant managed to get hold of the MEC attire to use it and his intention in doing whatever he did,”Mveriwa said.

Kuchingale has since denied the allegations.

The by-elections in Mchinji was marred by serious irregularities with all fingers pointing at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

Meanwhile DPP has admitted its failures on the by-elections.