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Aspiring female President Dr. Sally Kumwenda has attributed a low turn in the recent by-elections held in Karonga to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) decision to bar candidates for Leadership with Compassion Party (LCP) from taking part in the polls.
MEC held by-elections in three wards in Karonga namely; Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukuru.
Speaking after closing the voting exercise, MEC Chairperson Chifundo Kachale bemoaned low turnout.
“Since morning, the commission and staff has been monitoring the polling process by visiting the polling stations. Although the final figures have not been compiled regarding voter turnout, from our monitoring of the process from morning to closing time, it paints a picture which is not a departure from the norm that by-elections are characterised with lower turnout than a general election,” said Kachale without giving any reason.
But LCP President Dr. Sally Kumwenda told this publication that the people of Karonga were frustrated after hearing that LCP candidates will not be in the ballot.
“People in Karonga expressed disappointment upon hearing that LCP will not contest and many people said that they will not vote so having low turnout has not come as a surprise to me,” said Kumwenda.
MEC barred three candidates from LCP on the basis that their party is not yet registered with the Registrar of Political Parties.
However, the High Court on March 19, 2024 declared LCP as a fully registered party and below is the court ruling on the matter.
