The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has called for collaborative efforts between the electorate and aspiring candidates in compliance of the coronavirus preventive measures during the March 30 by-elections.

According to MEC`s Director for Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa, who was speaking during the daily COVID-19 update, despite that the electoral body has instituted COVID-19preventive measures during the whole electoral process, the fight against the pandemic requires concerted efforts.

“We are conduction these elections in COVID-19 environment so that effect, there are several strategies put in place by MEC which we expect compliance by those that are involved in these by-elections whether as candidates or voters,” said Mwafulirwa.

He added that participants in the elections will also adhere to the gazetted COVID-19 guidelines being enforced by government.

“Starting with the campaign period itself, there are regulations which were gazetted by the Malawi Government, and we expect that political parties they should respect these and enforce them, when they are conducting political rallies they should ensure that people they observe social distance,” Mwafulirwa said.

Meanwhile, co-chairperson of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 Dr Wilfred Nkhoma said as the end of Tuesday, a total of 2500 healthcare workers and social workers have been inoculated since the mass Coronavirus vaccination started to essential workers.

“We all know that there is vaccination campaign going on which was launched last week by the President and his Vice, as the end of Monday 2500 healthcare workers as well as other social workers had received the vaccine.

“This exercise is continuing until the vaccines that are in the country are given to those that have been designated,” said Dr Nkhoma.