The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it will publish in the Gazette, June 23, 2020, as the date of polling ahead of the fresh presidential election.
The commission made the announcement through a press statement signed on June 10 by its chairperson, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale.
The communication has been addressed to candidates for the forthcoming presidential elections and their respective political parties, all registered voters and all electoral stakeholders.
According the statement, the development comes in compliance with the formal communication from the Clerk of Parliament dated June 9, 2020 informing the commission of a parliamentary resolution of the same date.
Reads part of the statement: “The said communication indicated that this resolution was passed on the basis of the Supreme Court of Malawi decision of 8th May, 2020 directing the house to appoint the date for the fresh presidential polls.
“The commission’s decision to publish the polling date has been arrived at with considerable hesitation arising from the practicalities of holding a genuine and credible election in view of logistical challenges that the commission anticipates in implementing steps towards he holding of the polls.”
The electoral body also revealed that it will engage directly with all contesting candidates to appraise them of the anticipated challenges and to explore mitigation measures to ensure delivery of a credible, free and fair elections.
On Tuesday, Parliament set June 23 as the date for the fresh presidential elections, amid protests from the government side.
