Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has expressed shock on the cause of the fire that has raised down Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) warehouse in Lilongwe last night,saying the party ‘feels betrayed’.

Speaking in an interview, MCP spokesperson Dr. Jessie Kabwila said: “As MCP we are deeply shocked and disturbed with the fire.

“Again, this has happened on the last night before the court was to hear our challenge on the injunction”.

Just last week, people from Lilongwe City South Constituency wanted to march to MEC offices only to be told by the police to wait for seven days, were they waiting for this fire? We want to know what government will do because it;s the DPP that secured the injunction so we want to know who has done this and be brought to book”, claimed Kabwila.

When approached for comment on the way forward since all the disputed votes for Lilongwe City South East have been burnt, MEC Chief Elections Officer Willie Kalonga said:

“We will get back to court to report that evidence has been gutted. Only the court would determine the next step”.

The warehouse contained about 1,500 ballot boxes, gas cylinders, gas lamps, generators, furniture and stationery.

Meanwhile investigations to establish the cause of the fire are underway.