Minibus operators block Mangochi-Liwonde road

People using Mangochi-Liwonde road were stuck as minibus drivers and conductors put up 'roadblocks' along the way.

According to one of the drivers the closing of the roads was due to the increment in  fuel prices.

"They have increased our tax, we are paying the tax of 16 people instead of 8, this is really killing us," he said.

Some passengers also expressed worry over the strike saying it was delaying them. 

The protests  started in the wee hours of Monday, in Mangochi at forest.

There were running battle between police, minibus drivers and conductors.

Police has since used teargas to disperse them.

MEC chairperson visits some polling centres in Mangochi

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Chifundo Kachale has visited four polling centres in Mangochi West Constituency.

Kachale has visited Malembo, Chamtulo, Thema and Cholumba centers and has expressed satisfaction with the voting process so far.

Archbishop Ziyaye dies

Archbishop Tarsizius Ziyaye of the Lilongwe Diocese of the Catholic Church has died.

According to a statement from the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop Ziyaye died this morning in Namibia where he was receiving medical treatment.

Details are to be announced later.

Voters trickle to polling stations in Lilongwe North West

Voting is underway in Lilongwe North West Constituency where six candidates are vying to occupy President Lazarus Chakwera's Parliamentary seat.

The contenders are; Mphatso Boti - Malawi Congress Party, Blessings Bokola – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Njelengo Cristopher Nolex – Mbakuwaku Movement for Democracy (MMD) and independent candidates Goodwell Ndiwo Banda, Bryson Majoni and Chimwemwe Kameta.

There were initially seven candidates but one independent candidate Deborah Mitawah withdrew from the race two weeks ago.

A  snap survey of six centres showed low turnout as of 10 am.

The centres visited included Malembo primary school, Sendwe, Pathungo, Mbandanga, Chazozoma and Kazumba.

 In an interview, Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner Olivia Liwewe sounded optimistic.

"We have some substantial queues so it is a good start but hopefully we will see more people in the afternoon coming to vote and as MEC we would also like to urge people to maintain peace," said Liwewe.

Polling centres will close at 6 pm, thereafter results will be counted at each station and then sent to the District Commissioner for the tallying of the total votes for the constituency.

The by-election is being held following the resignation of legislator for the area Lazarus Chakwera before his election as President of Malawi on June 23.

Source: Josh Mphanda, MEC Stringer

High voter turnout in Karonga Central

Voting has started on a high note in Karonga Central Constituency where five candidates are contesting to replace Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda who succumbed to COVID-19 a few months ago.

As early as 05: 30am, there were long queues of people at Mwenilondo, Lupembe, Lughali and Mlare Polling centres waiting for their turns to cast a vote.

According to National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust regional civic education officer Vincent Kalawa, the turn up is good and encouraging.

"We are impressed with the turn up," Kalawa said.

The five candidates are: Leonard Mwalwanda of MCP, Ernest Mwalughali of DPP, UTM Party Frank Mwenifumbo, independent candidate Mary Florence Nthakomwa and Mbakuwaku Movement for Development's Nellie Sichali.

Independent candidate Nthakomwa already cast her vote at 06.30 am while UTM Party candidate Frank Mwenifumbo voted at 09.45 am at Mwenilondo polling centre.

About 16,180 are expected to vote today to elect their August House representative in the closely contested election. 

Voting will close at 6pm this evening.

By Jordan Semeon Phiri, MEC Stringer

Voting underway in CK, UTM candidates casts her ballot

With voting underway at most poling centers in  Chikwawa, the  UTM candidate for the Makhwira South ward by-election Fransisca Nyaunguru has voted at Nyangu Primary School Poling Center.

Casting her vote at exactly 9am, Nyanguru said she is so far impressed with the voting progress as no challenge has been registered.

However, presiding officer for Nyangu Primary School Poling center Kingstone Mara described the turn out as not being impressive, three hours after opening the center. Mara was however optimistic of incresed turn out during the day as most people are expected to have concluded their farming activities.

Fransisca Nyanguru is among three female contestants for Makhuwira South ward including Lenita Austine of MCP, and Mary Lennison independent.

Other contestants for the area are Henry Tambu of DPP and Isaik Odges of UDF.

Makhwira South ward fall vacant following the demise of the fomer ward councillor for the area Manick Gannet.

Justice Kachali finds Uladi Mussa guilty

Former Minister of Homeland Uladi Mussa has  been convicted on charges of using public office for the advantage of another  against corrupt practices act, neglectful of duty and altering of false documents.

Delivering of the Sentence will be done on 22 October, 2020.

The judgement was delivered by Justice Chifundo Kachale at the High Court in Lilongwe.

He has been convicted along with former Regional immigration officer David Kwanjana.

Another co-accused, Peter Katasa has been found guilty of altering false document. The court has acquitted two other foreign nationals.

HRDC to meet Chakwera over cabinet appointments

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has sought an audience with President Lazarus Chakwera to present grievances by Malawians over his 31-member cabinet appointments.

HRDC said more people are baffled as the appointments are appeasing, nepotistic and regionalistic in nature.

Gift Trapence, leader of the rights grouping that led demonstrations which toppled the Mutharika government said they are compiling the people's concerns to present.

HRDC cordinator Luke Tembo said they have been receiving calls since yesternight concerning the new cabinet.

"Most people are concerned with the composition of the new cabinet and issues concerning the absence of the Gender Ministry, families that are included as husband and wife, brother and sister and concentration of members of one region," he said.

He further said as Human Rights Defenders they are very privileged to have been invited by the President and will take that as a platform to relate people's concern about new cabinet.

Tembo added he is hopeful they have a listening President who will take into consideration concerns raised and that at the end of today they expect the concerns will be addressed.

"Those people who express their concerns about this new cabinet are the Malawians, experts, lawyers and other member of the Tonse Alliance," he said.

Malawi's Fresh Presidential Election: The end is nigh

The conclusion of the Malawi's fresh presidential election is nigh as the Malawi Electoral Commission has released 88 percent of the results from 24 of Malawi's 28 districts.

With the addition of results from Dedza, Mchinji, Ntcheu, Kasungu and Karonga Malawi Congress Party president Lazarous Chakwera has consolidated his lead to 2,434,138 way ahead of Democratic Progressive Party candidate Peter Mutharika's 1,435,473 while Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku Movement for Development has 28,473.

The Commission is remaining with results from Chikwawa, Salima, Nkhata Bay and Thyolo.

DPP-UDF officials leave main tally centre

District results of the June 23 elections are still arriving at the main tally centre at College of Medicine in Blantyre.

The latest were from Mangochi and Chikwawa.

The expectation was that political party contestants would verify their seal numbers.

But as we were publishing this post, only Tonse Alliance officials were present at COM as DPP/UTM officials who has been keeping an eye on the situation had all left.

MCP withdraws case against MEC Commissioners

MCP president Lazurus Chakwera was granted leave to commence judicial review proceedings to review the appointment of Commissioner Nanthuru, Commissioner Duwa. Commissioner Mathanga and Commissioner Kunje.

But the Malawi Electoral Commission says it has been informed that the matter has been withdrawn.

"The Commission has felt compelled to inform you about this development, because, it arose in one of the questions from the press," said MEC chairperson justice Chifundo Kachale

MEC dismisses Kuwani's complaint

The Malawi Electoral Commission has dismissed a complaint from Malawi's fresh presidential election candidate Peter Kuwani in which he was seeking the nullification of the candidature of his two fellow contestants.

Kuwani wanted MEC to nullify the candidature of Democratic Progressive Party president Peter Mutharika and Malawi Congress Party president Lazarous Chakwera for featuring running mates different from the ones they had in the 2019 election.

The MMD president argued that the two political parties did not adhere to the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal (MSCA) ruling that stated that political parties whose rights were injured by the Conduct of the Commission were the ones to contest.

“Basing on the fact, point of law and MSCA consequential directions and recommendations on candidates, MEC should nullify the candidature for Dr Lazarous Chakwera and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for being reconstituted.

“It is apparent that  MSCA consequential directions and recommendations as regards to candidates should be in tandem to consequential directions and recommendations on voters’ roll,” says the letter signed by its President Kuwani.

He went on to argue that if indeed Chakwera and Mutharika won the elections, because they had winning teams, why are they changing their running mates.

“Unless legally proven or directed otherwise, Peter Sinosi, Driver Kuwani is the sole candidate who fully adopted the MSCA consequential directions and recommendations for the presidential election," he claimed.

But in its determination on the matter, MEC argued that Kuwani has failed to justify his claim.

It said: "The Commission has come up with its determination on the matter which has been transmitted to the complainant. Briefly the Commision has found that Mr.Kuwani has failed to make a valid claim to justify the nullification of the candidature of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and Dr. Lazarus Chakera. Therefore, Mr. Kuwani’sc complaint has been dismissed."

Defense force to shoot on site anyone trailing voter results cars

Malawi Defense Force General Namathanga, reiterated the mandate of MDF is to ensure election is conducted is peaceful, secure and stakeholders to refrain from any action jeorpidizing the process.

He said they will not allow anyone to block escorting officers to tally centres saying MDF officers are armed and will use any measure as thwart off who ever they seem an adversely.

"We will jealousy guard peoples votes. Will take measures to deter all those with ill intentions," he said.

No breaking of security measure at national tally centre. No political interference. 

MEC press briefing: Security

Deputy Police Commissioner Noel Kayira said the police wants to give hope and trust giving an update on issues of vigilantes, disorder and criminal acts that have been happening

For the past 12 hours registered issues but in general situation peaceful. No issues of intimidation to voters, MEC stuff and material.

Security entity respondend quickly, with utmost seriousness they deserve, flow of information overwhelming, all allegations being treated wholly and information will be made public. Asked for more information to trickle in.

They continue ready and vigilant in civil disorder. Robust and great coordination among the organs.

Vigilantes remain issue of concerns, people taking law into their own hand, sometimes abuse their power.

Request the leaders to responsible organs. Mob justice makes people lose out on information.

MEC press briefing take aways

MEC Commissioner Dr Kachale said election voting has been generally peaceful with some unfortunate incidents but did not disturb the process.

Commission restrained itself from commenting on social media rumours but only shed light on news by Zodiak reported of Dedza woman failure to vote.

Kachale said Fatima Kafwafwa at Dedza South changed to F20 and investigations show this was true that she possibly voted in 2019.

Incorrect to say MEC changed, in preparation the voter in question went to register again. Not required to register twice but only needed a Tseries.

Sympathizes with thensaid electorate and asks people to pay full attention to their messagea. F20 is not part of the process.

Results counting has started. Gas lamps provided for lighting. Elections are an emotional issues and mistakes inevitable.

10 lawyers brought together under MEC counsel and other from Ministry of Justice in registering and submitting to the Commission.

Determination to be communicated to the public. Illegality claims will be taken including necessary action and effects of the Illegularities. Each polling station has a complaints book.

Compalinants to provide full details of the incidents and proof. Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp or direct messaging Commissioners outed as official complaints lines.

Wants credible and transparent election and leaders should refrain from uttering statements that may upset the rallying of results.

UTM party bus burnt in Thyolo

Director of Security for alliance partner UTM Mr Lewis Ngalande said the party representatives were attacked by gang of unknown criminals and a minibus he was operating burnt.

Ngalande is reported to have sent a group of UTM youth members to verify availability of parties monitors around thyolo polling centers.

The members moving around in a hired Toyota hiace minibus white in colour Reg number RU 7949 driven by Christopher Emanuel age. 27 vge. Chanthunya T/A. Nsamala D.Balaka.

At around 0020 hours they were travelling from Luchenza heading Thyolo where they said they booked a rest house and upon passing by Kamponji Estate they were overtaken by 2 unregistered land cruisers that stopped infront of there vehicle.

Then unknown criminals who were almost 15 in number armed with panga knives jumped from it and started unlawfully wounded some of the members which include the driver who was wounded on the forehead head and have a deep cut.

Austin Muthanje, Andrew Ngwangwa, Patrick Naluso sustained minor injuries.

In the process the criminals robbed Ngwangwa off his two ITEL cellphones and K20000 cash from his pocket they also set ablaze there minibus.

Tallying for fresh elections goes into the night

By Vyalema Kaluluma

Tallying for the presidential election result for Mzimba and Mzuzu has started at 
Mzimba District Tally Centre at Mnjiri CDSS.

There are 563 centres in total.
Here are some of the results thus far:

Kasuku Primary School
Chakwera 312
Kuwani 6
Mutharika 13

Kaulira Nursery School
Chakwera 197
Kuwani 2
Mutharika 6

Kabuku Primary School
Chakwera 308
Kuwani 4
Mutharika 18

Kapusu Centre 
Chakwera 183
Kuwani 2
Mutharika 10

Kasuluwe primary school
Chakwera 213
Kuwani 3
Mutharika 24

Numbers of voters dwindle at polling centres

Mzuzu Stadium Poling station is almost dry at the time of the visit at around 2 pm.

According to the Presiding officer, Chimwemwe Kanyinji, over half of the registered voters 2,299 have voted.

"We are hoping that the remaining voters will come in the afternoon before the closing time," says Kanyinji.

The center opened 10 minutes late after some party representatives delayed to report for duties.

Meanwhile, Goefrey Chipeta, 20, has expressed his happiness for taking part in the presidential election after last year's presidential election were nullified for irregularities.

"I am very happy that I have had another chance to vote for a leader who will address our challenges that includes scarcity of jobs," says Chipeta.

DPP distances itself from reps with voter material

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has distanced itself from its representatives being found with voter material. 

One of its monitors, Mary Banda has been arrested in Mbalachanda, Mzimba was found with six national registration cards and voter registration certificates. 

Nicholas Dausi, the party's spokesperson said they have no clue how and why she had those in her possession.

Dausi explained they do not know the motive behind Banda having those materials.

He referred the media to Police as they are the ones investigating the matter.

Live: 7 DPP reps allegedly found with pre marked ballot papers

Reports suggest 7 Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) representatives were found in possession of pre-marked ballots and the issues is being investigated by Police.

In Nkhotakota and Salima were arrested in relation to election misconduct on allegations of trying to disrupt voting process.

All across Malawi polling started at 6,0clock apart from places like Mzimba Hora and Chichiri Prison and which started at 9:30.

87 percent of polling stations saw long ques apon opening of voting.

Citizens continue to campaign especially on social media.

96 percent of party representatives are conducting their duties.