MESN pushes for JB’s intervention on Malawi electoral law

Pressure in mounting on Malawi President Joyce Banda to intervene and ensure that the passing of the harmonized electoral law is given priority in the current sitting of parliament,  a move that would allow the Malawi Electoral Commission  (MEC) and all other stakeholders to push ahead in preparations for 2014 tripartite elections.

The pressure from the Malawi Electoral Support Network (MESNE) comes amid fear that the delay in the passing of the harmonized electoral laws would negatively affect the electoral process as it would likely stall all the preparatory activities.

The bills that were proposed for the harmonization for the electoral laws in question are, the Constitution Amendment Bill, the electoral Commission Act Amendment Bill, the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections Election and the Local Government Electoral act Amendment Bill.

Speaking at news conference on Sunday in commercial Capital Blantyre, MESNE’s Publicity Secretary, Steve Duwa called upon the Minister of Justice and  Attorney General offices to expedite the process of presenting the proposing harmonized electoral laws in parliament for passing.

Duwa: Need to harmonise the laws

According to Duwa, “failure to do so the nation of Malawi will hold  them responsible for any failure in holding tripartite elections in 2004”.

MESNE representatives also called upon minister of finance to present the supplementary budget which is expected to include a budget for MEC to enable it effectively implement 2014 tripartite elections activities.

“We are also calling upon al donor partners to make their funding commitments towards support for the tripartite election elections known and timely. This support should include technical and financial support to MEC and the would be accredited service providers for the 2014 tripartite elections”, said Duwa

According to Duwa holding the 2014 tripartite elections will enable the country to elect councilors alongside the president and members of parliament.

Malawi has been without local councilors since 2005 a development which  according to Duwa means that  the people of Malawi have been denied their right to participate as citizen for ten years which is contrary to the tenets of  democracy  .