Karonga District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) has been called upon to execute its duties on the polling day professionally, accurately and apolitically if the results of the by-elections are to be fair, credible and acceptable by all contesting candidates and their political allies.
MEC Commissioner, Dr. Anthony Mukumbwa, made the call on Thursday during a one day DEST briefing in polling procedures and results processing at district tally centre at Maghemo secondary school hall in Karonga district ahead of the March 30 by-election.
Mukumbwa said for the competing candidates, electoral stakeholders and political party members to feel satisfied, there is great need for DEST members to discharge their duties in compliance with electoral laws.
“Elections are guided by electoral laws. Therefore, all officials whom MEC has entrusted must work professionally, accurately and apolitical to build trust. They have to make sure that they maintain peace and order to avoid compromising results.
“The botched 2019 Presidential Elections taught us lessons hence these vigorous and thorough preparations so that these by-elections should meet expected legal requirements and standards,” he said.
The Commissioner who is head of MEC’s Finance and Audit Committee further reminded members that the by-elections are being conducted at a time the country is grappling with the global pandemic of covid 19, therefore, DEST members should ensure that every voter and polling officials continue observing the Presidential Task Force on covid 19 preventive measures.
He said: “Government through the Presidential Task Force on covid 19 has provided enough face masks for voters and polling staff. Therefore, these officers have to ensure that everyone is observing social distancing, masking up and constant hands washing with soap”.
On his part, the District’s DEST chairperson David Gondwe hailed MEC for the briefing, saying it was an eye opener since every election comes with new things.
Gondwe has since assured the Commission of DEST’s continued commitment and dedication to the polling preparations up until the polling day.
About 53, 000 electorates will cast their votes on Tuesday next week to usher into power a replacement of James Kamwambi who died of covid 19 last month.
Eight candidates namely; Dr. Shawo Mwakilama (Independent), Daniel Mwanyongo Chitonya (MCP), Anderson Mwayipinga (Independent), Trustings Lusubilo Kamwambi (DPP), Bone Mwenindeka Kasunga (UDF), Felix Katwaff Kaira (UTM Party), Fwasani Silungwe (AFORD) and Harry Mwanyembe (Independent) will sort each other out.
By Jordan Simeon-Phiri, MEC Stringer