Electoral Commission optimistic of peaceful election in 2014

The Electoral Commission says it is determined that the 2014 tripartite elections will be successful and will act as a model to other countries.

Chairperson of Election Services Commissioner Ambassador Rev. Emmanuel Chimkwita-Phiri said this Wednesday in Lilongwe during a public hearing on ward demarcation.

“As a commission we are geared to do our best so that the 2014 tripartite elections are the best ever, “ said Chimkwita-Phiri.

However Chimkwita-Phiri said although the commission is discussing with relevant stakeholder to revisit the Electoral Commission Amendment Act of 2010 on demarcation, it will still maintain the 444 wards due to limited time that the commission has before the elections.

“Under the current law, the Malawi electoral Commission started re-demarcation exercise in 2010.

But considering the time factor we cannot revisit the law now as the elections are just near,” said Chimkwita-Phiri.

The Commissioner further said various stakeholders are recommending the immediate return of the 861 wards which was the previous position so that there is a true representation.

The demarcation has taken into consideration issues of ease in communication, geographical features, existing administrative areas and the wishes of the people.

Among others closure of the commission in 2010 also affected the process as the commission had only gathered information which the technocrats used to develop new maps.

The public hearing exercise which attracted members of parliament, traditional authority and representative of political parties.

Next year’s tripartite elections budget is pegged at 14 billion Malawi kwacha.