Mec against chiefs endorsing candidates

By Feston Malekezo:

Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has written Local Government and Rural Development Ministry over the conduct of some chiefs who have reportedly been endorsing political party candidates for the May 21 Tripartite Elections.

The letter, which The Daily Times has seen, signed by Mec Chief Elections Officer Sam Alfandika, advises chiefs to desist from the conduct, saying it is a violation of the Chiefs’ Code of Conduct.

“Much as chiefs have and are entitled to exercise political rights just like any other citizen, such rights accrue to the chiefs as individuals and private citizens.

However, in their capacity as traditional leaders, chiefs are not allowed to be partisan and should, therefore, not affiliate themselves to political parties or candidates with the intention of influencing their subjects’ political choices,” reads the letter in part.

The letter quotes section 58 of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Act, which says every public officer or entity or authority has a duty to give equal treatment to all political parties and candidates.

“In fact, chiefs need to be advised that under Section 115 (b) (iv) of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Act, it is an offence punishable by a fine of K500,000.00 and to imprisonment for two years for any person who denies any political party or candidate equal treatment…,” the letter further reads.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Mulhabase Mughogho, was not readily available for a comment on Mec’s letter.