The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has called for the delay of the forthcoming June 29 fresh and by-elections on legal grounds.

The statement released by the commission signed by the commission’s Chairperson Dr. Chifundo Kachale which is in possession of FaceofMalawi has confirmed the development.

The development however follows the High Court ruling which dissolved the appointment of 4 MEC commissioners from the Democratic Progressive Party-DPP.

On Wednesday, June 2, High Court Judge Kenyatta Nyirenda, ruled that the quartet of Jean Mathanga, Linda Kunje, Steve Duwa, and Arthur Nanthulu, was unduly appointed by the then President Peter Mutharika of the DPP.

Nyirenda’s ruling had since ordered that the nominating authorities should submit names for the candidate commissioners within 7 days from the day which the judgment was given.

Section 75 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi provides that the Electoral Commission is made up of Supreme Court Judge and not less than 6 commissioners.

Currently, MEC has only 3 commissioners including the Chairperson.

The Commission was scheduled to hold fresh and by-elections later this month in Nkhatabay Central Constituency as well as Chikwembere and Lalanje Ward in Blantyre North and Nsanje Lalanje constituencies respectively.