Up to K43.8 billion will be needed to hold fresh presidential poll, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Jane Ansah said in a sworn statement she signed appealing the presidential nullification case.
In the appeal, Ansah also argued that holding of the polls in July this year, as directed by the Constitutional Court, could be impossible citing the need for adequate preparations and funding, arguing that the poll can be held within 261 days.
“The order of the court for a fresh election to be held in 150 days disregards the fact that an election requires funding and preparation which may not be possible to attain within the said 150 days.
“As a Commission, we are of the view that the election can only be held within at least 261 days on 28th October, 2020 if we operate on an expedited calendar” she reasoned
Ansah argued that the statutory periods for procurement, transport challenges and all other necessary exercises would make it not feasible to have the polls within the stated period.
She said unless enforcement of the ruling is suspended, the electoral body will be compelled to go through what she described as a sham of an enquiry to conduct an election.
Malawi’s electoral activities range from voter registration, submission of names of party monitors, accreditation of international and local observers, vetting of ballot papers templates, distribution of non-sensitive polling materials, receiving of ballot papers and distribution of the ballot papers.
The panel of five high court judges nullified the poll on February 3 and ordered that fresh poll be held within five months.
Source: MBC Malawi
