Official campaign period for the April 10, 2018 by-elections will officially start on Tuesday, March 13 , 2018, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced on Monday.

The commission made the announcement through a press statement signed by the commission’s Chief Elections Officer, Sammy Alfandika.

“It is the anticipation of the commission and all the stakeholders that the candidates adhere to the provisions of the code of conducts to ensure a free, fair and credible campaign,” reads part of the statement.

The statement also highlighted some of the offences in relation to the campaign that include; campaigning without notifying the district commissioner in writing with a copy to the officer in-charge of the police; using language which is inflammatory, defamatory or insulting or which constitutes incitement to public disorder, insurrection, hate, violence or war.

The statement further said destroying, defacing, tearing or in any manner causing to be totally or partially useless or illegible any campaign material displayed in an authorized place or space or superimposing thereon any other material concealing the earlier material will also be regarded as an offence.

MEC will hold by-elections to fill vacancies existing in Malindi Ward in Mangochi North East and Milonde Ward in Mulanje South East Constituencies because of death.

As per requirement of the law, Section 23(2) of the Local Government Elections Act, the Commission is to conduct by-elections in these areas to fill the vacancies.

In Malindi Ward, Councillor John Saidi Macollera died on December 1, while Milonde Councillor Felix Majawa passed on December 12, 2017.

As per requirement of the law, campaign shall end at 06.00AM on April 8, 2018.