Malawi election date set for 19th May

Malawi’s parliament has set 19th May as the date for fresh presidential elections, following a Constitutional Court ruling which nullified last May’s vote.

The previous result, which returned incumbent President Peter Mutharika, was overturned earlier this month after the court cited widespread irregularities. 

The challenge was brought forward by leading opposition candidates Lazarus Chakwera and Saulos Chilima, who came second and third in the polls respectively. 

The candidates’ lawyers said some tallying forms had been doctored with Tipp-Ex, and that some officials sent in the wrong copy of the results sheet to the central counting station. 

Monday’s parliamentary decision stipulates a run-off presidential election will be held if no candidate wins a majority of more than 50%.

The bill also ensures that the chair of the electoral commission will first be nominated by the Judicial Service Commission, before being appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Public Appointments Committee (PAC). 

The other members of the electoral commission will then be appointed on the recommendation of the PAC, following nominations by all the political parties represented in parliament. 

Photo: AFP