The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has officially concluded the campaign period for the Local Government By-elections scheduled for March 26, 2024, in Rukuru, Kaporo, and Chilanga Wards.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi, it was announced that the campaign period ended on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 6:00 AM.
MEC has sternly warned all stakeholders that any campaigning conducted outside of the designated period will be met with legal consequences.
The statement emphasized that campaigning beyond the specified timeframe is a violation of the law, and those found guilty will be subject to due legal process. After the deadline, any form of solicitation, canvassing, or vote-seeking, whether direct or indirect, will not be permitted.
Furthermore, MEC has prohibited supporters or agents from engaging in campaign activities such as driving around while hooting or playing campaign songs with loudspeakers to disseminate candidate messages.
The electoral body has also appealed to faith groups to ensure that places of worship remain neutral and refrain from becoming centers for campaign activities during this period.
The By-elections in Karonga district will cover Kaporo, Chilanga, and Rukuru Wards, with a total of 21 candidates from various political parties vying for the position of ward councilor. Among these candidates, only two are female contestants in Rukuru wards, while the remaining nineteen are male, with six from Kaporo Ward and eight from Chilanga Ward.
