CONSTITUENCY RETURNING OFFICERS TO PLAY BIG ROLE IN 2014 ELECTION PROCESS

Malawi Electoral Commission was on Wednesday, 8th of January, 2014 briefing constituency returning officers in Balaka and Machinga on how they are going to operate during the electoral period.
Speaking during the training, Commissioner Dr Wellington Nakanga said the work that the returning officers will be involved is in a noble one and it’s a calling. He further said the commission is non-partisan and impartial in its work activities.
‘There are many changes that have been introduced, for your own information, nomination fees will this time around be paid through the Malawi Savings Bank and candidates will only bring deposit slips as proof of payment, said Nakanga.
The commission promised to make available nomination papers from January 16, 2014 and the commission will receive nomination papers from candidates between 10 and 14 February 2014 at a designated place in the respective council headquarters
MEC have also offered a discount to female candidates so that those competing for parliamentary seats will pay a nomination fee of K150, 000 instead of K200, 00 and those aspiring to be councilors will pay K15, 000instead of K20, 000. There is no discount for the presidency and male candidates.