Proposed constituency and ward names stir debate

Lilongwe District elections stakeholders on Monday posed numerous questions on how Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) came up with new names of constituencies and wards in the district.

This was during the districts elections stakeholders meeting held at Bwaila Secondary School in the city.

On behalf of the technical team on demarcation process of ward and constituency boundaries in the district, Lilongwe District Commissioner, Lawford Palani, presented three different scenarios which necessitate additional wards constituencies as well as their new names.

Making his contribution, Senior Chief Chadza blamed MEC for not involving traditional leaders when coming up with the names, saying the issue may lead to voter apathy in the coming elections if the issue is not taken care of.

However, in response, MEC Commissioner, Olivia Liwewe, who also chairs MECs Electoral Services Committee said names were just proposed and were subject to change.

Currently, Lilongwe has 18 constituencies.