MEC DRIVERS GO ON STRIKE

With about five days to go before the country host the first ever tripartite election, over 1 000 drivers deployed by Malawi Electoral Commission in Lilongwe have down their tools demanding for their unpaid allowances.

 The development that threatens the smooth running of the forthcoming tripartite elections.

 In an interview with one of the drivers found at PVHO in Lilongwe who opted for anonymity said:

 “I was instructed that this issue should not be made public before all the avenues have been exhausted. But since my friends say we can talk to you, then I will do so… We have been discussing this issue with the Malawi Electoral Commission and government officials since  and assurances were made that we will be given allowances before departure. But this is  Wednesday and nothing is being done”.

 “We are married people and we have responsibilities. So, why should someone send us to the field without money? We are ready to go and serve this government but we should be paid first. If we start off late then there will be chaos because some of these vehicles are going to Chitipa and Nsanje and have not been serviced for a while”.

 Meanwhile Face of Malawi’s effort to talk to MEC chief election officer proved futile as he could not pick up the call.