The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has appealed for peace and calm ahead of presentation of nomination papers for Karonga local government by-elections slated for tomorrow. 

The by-elections are scheduled to be held on March 26, 2024, in Kaporo Ward in Karonga North Constituency, Chilanga Ward in Karonga North-West Constituency and Rukuru Ward in Karonga North-West Constituency.

The commission’s Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said much as all set on part of the electoral body, both supporters and candidates need to conduct the exercise in an orderly and peaceful manner.

Said Mwafulirwa: “Presentation of nomination papers for those that wish to contest in the local government by elections in the three wards in Karonga will take place on March 6, 2024, each and every candidate has been the allocated time so our appeal to everybody is to stick to their time.

“We are also appealing for calm and peace to prevail, even when supporters of different candidates bump to each other. They should not spark violence or use inflammatory language we can coexist.”

The three wards became vacant upon the conviction of three councillors by the Magistrate’s Court sitting at Karonga on September 1, 2023.

Mwafulirwa has also appealed to supporters to observe all set heath guidelines as provided by the ministry of health due to outbreak of viral conjunctivitis.

“We have in public emergencies in Karonga so we are appealing to all candidates and their followers to observe the health guidance as provided by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

The three councillors were convicted of offences involving dishonesty which automatically rendered the seats vacant and according to Sections 23 and 47 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, the Commission is obliged to conduct by-elections so that the electorate continue to enjoy representation in the council.