Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has announced that it will hold elections for Regional Chairman for the North-South region on 18 April.

MCP Director of Elections Elias Chakwera has confirmed the development saying all is set for the elections adding that the party has opened the campaign window for candidates that are interested to compete for the position.

Chakwera asked the candidates to distance themselves from the hate language and ditching out money to buy votes as this would result in an unfair election.

The party’s election director added that such tendencies have the potential to breed violence which is not acceptable in MCP.

“The election will involve a secret ballot to allow candidates to make choices of the people they want,” said Chakwera.

According to the party’s constitution, eligible voters are nine people from district committees, chairperson of three bodies at constituency level, all councilors, and members of parliament from the region in question.

Meanwhile, four people have shown interest to compete for the position.

These are Member of Parliament for Mzimba South Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere, Mzuzu City district Chairman Josephy Chavula, Youth Member Kelvin Sato, and the current acting Regional Chairman Gombweni Mvula.

The position however was being held by Gracia Soko who was dismissed by the party due to pressure by district chairmen and other party members over poor leadership.

Meanwhile, the elections are expected to be held at the party’s regional offices in Mzuzu.