Malawi Electrical Commission (MEC) said it would not pay back nomination fees for aspiring candidates that withdraw from any position once the electoral processes begin.
Speaking Thursday in Zomba during a Stakeholders meeting, MEC Commissioner Dr. Emanuel Fabiano said all those that intends to contest in any position should make a concrete decision as the country head towards 2025 general elections.
He explained that once an aspirant pay nomination fee, MEC would not refund it in case a person withdraws for any reason.
Fabiano made the emphasis on an understanding that some people think that the fee is refundable once they withdraw from the race at any given time.
“Be sure enough that you want to partake in the forthcoming elections, In case a person withdraws within the process then know that money is for the commission,” he added.
The Commissioner told stakeholders that MEC would not entertain lawlessness and anyone who would go against electoral laws and undermine the electoral process shall be heavily penalised.
“The objective of the stakeholders’ meetings, across the country is to inform all concerned parties about the new electoral laws, constituency and ward boundaries, registration process and constituency, district and national tally centres.
“In addition, we share with the stakeholders our election calendar for proper planning,” he said.
Senior Chief Chikowi hailed MEC for the engagement, saying the information from the meeting would help local leaders at the lower level to understand the electoral processes and the amended electoral laws.
“We now know of the new laws and have been updated on what MEC is doing in preparation for the forthcoming general elections,” she added.
The meeting discussed a number of issues including eligibility of a person to register and vote, duration of campaign period and modalities of transferring election results from district to national tally center.
Source:MANA
