Introduction
The Malawi Electoral Commission received nomination papers from Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections candidates from 4 to 8th February 2019. The Commission announced that it will conduct a detailed analysis of the nomination papers to ensure that they comply with the eligibility criteria to contest for the respective offices being vied for. The Commission planned to release the final names for presidential elections after seven (7) days, for Parliamentary after fourteen (14) days and Local Government before expiry of twenty-one (21) days from the last day of nomination.
Following this, the Commission met on 13th February 2019 in Lilongwe to consider a report on the analysis of Presidential candidates. A total of 10 nomination papers were successfully submitted to the Commission during the nomination week. The Commission rejected nomination papers from three independent candidates because they had serious deficiencies.
Approved presidential candidates
Having conducted detailed analysis of all the nomination papers for Presidential Elections, the Commission has approved the following to have been duly nominated in accordance with the law:
PRESIDENTIAL | RUNNING MATE | PARTY/AFFILIATION | |
CANDIDATE | |||
Dr. Lazarus Chakwera | Mr. Sidik Mia | Malawi Congress Party (MCP) | |
Professor John Eugene Chisi | Mr. Timothy Watch Kamulete | Umodzi Party (UP) | |
Mr. Peter Dominic Sinosi Driver Kuwani | Mr. Archbold McLenard Kalawang’oma | Mbakuwaku Movement for Development (MMD) | |
Dr. Joyce Hilda Banda | Dr. Jerry Alexander Jana | Peoples Party (PP) | |
Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima | Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi | UTM | |
Mr. Atupele Austin | Mr. Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo | United Democratic Front (UDF) | |
Dr. Cassim Hamim Chilumpha | Miss Zione Matumba | Tikonze Peoples Movement (TPM) | |
|
Mr. Reverend Hadwick Kaliya | Mr. Mabvuto Alfred Ng’ona | Independent |
|
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika | Mr. Everton Herbert Chimulirenji | Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) |
The Commission has disqualified Mr Loudon Titan Malingamoyo Phiri, National Salvation Front (NASAF) and running mate, Miss Ethel Vivian Makoko on the basis of the following:
Challenging eligibility of candidates
The Commission is also reminding stakeholders that a candidate can be disqualified any day before polling should the Commission become aware that the candidate suppressed material facts at the time of nomination which, if they were known, could have led to disqualification.
The Commission is, therefore, informing the general public that anyone who wishes to challenge the eligibility of a the candidate in the 2019 Tripartite Elections they should follow proper procedures by writing the Commission with substantiated evidence of the ineligibility of the particular candidate.
Those challenging the eligibility of a candidate on the basis of understanding or interpretation of the law are encouraged to seek opinions of their legal counsel before challenging the eligibility of any of the contestants.
All stakeholders should also take note that the Commission will not be moved to disqualify any candidate from contesting based on objections raised through phone calls, conventional and social media, press briefings of which the Commission has not been properly furnished with details.
Eligibility for Presidential elections
Under section 80 (6) and (7) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi as read together with section 49 and 50 of the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Act no person shall qualify for nomination for Office of President unless he or she:
The law, further adds that, notwithstanding the above conditions, no one shall qualify for nomination to contest in the election of President, if the person:
Electoral stakeholders should note that academic or educational qualifications like holding a Malawi School Certificate (MSCE) or a first degree are not part of the eligibility criteria for Presidency.
Submission of eligibility challenges
All challenges to the eligibility of candidates, whether Local Government, Parliamentary or Presidential Elections should be sent to the following address:
The Chief Elections Officer
Malawi Electoral Commission
Chisankho House
Private Bag 113
Blantyre
Email alfandikas@yahoo.co.uk
Challenges can also be hand-delivered to the MEC head office in Blantyre.
Dated at Blantyre this 14th day of February, 2019.
Sam Alfandika
CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER