Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Peter Mutharika and former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Dr. Jane Ansah of being behind the ill-preparedness for the fresh polls by the electoral body.

CDEDI Acting Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa made the accusation in a statement released on Friday made available to Faceofmalawi.

“CDEDI believes President Mutharika and Justice Ansah should be held responsible for any challenge that may arise due to the state of preparedness the electoral body has found itself in. In addition, Malawians should hold President Mutharika and Dr. Ansah personally responsible for all the shortcomings and bottlenecks that may hamper the smooth running of the FPE,” said Namiwa.

On the other hand, Namiwa has hailed new MEC commissioners for working hard in preparing for the Fresh Presidential polls.

“CDEDI would like to congratulate the current cohort of Commissioners for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), led by Judge Dr. Chifundo Kachale for hitting the ground running as clearly demonstrated by their working around the clock! This is a classic example of patriotism.

“It is also re-assuring to note that Members of Parliament (MPs) did their part by ensuring that a date is fixed for the fresh polls. CDEDI is aware of the alleged futile attempts by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to frustrate the process in the August House,” he added.

MEC will hold fresh Presidential polls on June 23, 2020.

Meanwhile Ballot Papers for the fresh Presidential Polls have arrived in the country through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).