Traditional Leaders Petition MEC Over Alleged Irregularities in South Lunzu

Some traditional leaders from Machinjiri Township in Blantyre have petitioned the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), citing alleged voting irregularities in South Lunzu Constituency.

The leaders accuse Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Veronica Ndalama of violating electoral laws by distributing handouts and continuing to campaign beyond the official campaign period.

“The said candidate continued to campaign after the official campaign period was closed. She went on a door-to-door campaign and gave people money. We have evidence to support that,” reads part of the petition.

The petition, signed by six Group Village Heads—Bwanahaji, Machinjiri, Nanthoka, Anderson, Aleyi, and Andrea—demands a nullification of the constituency results.

They claim their subjects pressured them to act after witnessing the alleged misconduct.

The petition was submitted to South Lunzu Constituency Returning Officer Bexter Nthulula, who confirmed receipt and said it had been referred to higher authorities for review.

In response, Ndalama dismissed the claims, saying:

“They should bring forward their evidence and Malawi Electoral Commission will make a decision based on that. I wonder why it is traditional leaders making these complaints and not the candidates themselves. Why are they hiding?”

She added that her victory was expected, stating:

“Everyone who stood on a DPP ticket here in the Southern Region is winning, and my victory is not a surprise.”

Source: Nation Publication Limited