MEC ARGUES EQUIPMENT OPERATORS TO REFRAIN FROM SOCIAL MEDIA REPORTING AHEAD OF TUESDAY’S BY-ELECTIONS

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has advised equipment operators used for results management in Tuesday’s by-election to ensure that they remain nonpartisan.

Speaking on Sunday at the opening of the training for the operators, MEC Chairperson Chifundo Kachale asked operators to avoid using social media sharing messages on the polls stressing this might affect the outcomes. Persuade

Kachale emphasized the need for the equipment operators not to take political sides saying that will compromise their impartiality and professionalism.

The MEC Chairperson also added that whatever the staff post on Facebook and other social platforms reflect perceptions of the commission hence the need for them not to take political sides.

Kachale however called on the equipment operators not to employ the creative measures no matter how efficient it may be to avoid raising eyebrows among stakeholders.

One of the participants Chikondi Maunda said the training will help to prepare them as they head to work on March 30 elections.

“We are not siding with any political party, we will be undertaking our duties in different areas as some will be at the Main tally center while others will be at the DC’s offices,” said Maunda.

MEC will hold by-elections in Kalonga North West, Mchinji North, Lilongwe Nsinja South, and Zomba Changalume.

The Commission will hold fresh parliamentary elections in Chikwawa East, Nsanje North, and Nsanje Central and the local government elections in Chitakale Ward in Mulanje and Livilidzi ward in Balaka.