MPs shun Mec public hearings

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has expressed disappointment at the low turn-out of Members of Parliament at ward demarcation hearings across the country.

Commissioner Gloria Chingota made the sentiments during a ward demarcation public hearing for Blantyre City on Tuesday at the Civic Centre.

“We wonder if MPs are concerned over how their constituencies are divided into wards because this is about the development of their areas,” said Chingota who asked political party representatives to convey her disappointment to their respective parties.

She said the absence of an MP at the Blantyre City was similar to most of the districts they had been to.

“Where parliamentarians turned up, it was only one person. For instance, there was one MP in Chikhwawa and Blantyre District Council while in Neno they just sent representatives,” said the Commissioner.

Chingota also disclosed that registration of voters for the 2014 tripartite elections would start in June this year and that every voter will be required to register afresh.

“Because these are tripartite elections, people will have to register afresh. Everybody should register where they will vote for a councilor and not at constituency level to avoid confusion,” said Chingota.

While all the names and maps for the wards were approved by the stakeholders, the meeting came to a standstill over the name Nancholi for a ward which is at Green Corner in Blantyre.

The meeting resolved that stakeholders will have to meet later to further discuss and come up with an appropriate name.