By Burnett Munthali
On the issue of the Electoral Code of Conduct, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, issued a firm reminder to all presidential candidates.
She made the remarks during the presentation of nomination papers at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), where she addressed both candidates and their supporters.
Justice Mtalimanja urged the candidates to strictly adhere to all the provisions outlined in the Code of Conduct throughout the campaign period.
She stated that the Code of Conduct is not merely symbolic, but a binding set of rules designed to ensure peaceful, fair, and credible elections.
The MEC Chairperson cautioned that failure to comply with the Code may attract serious consequences.
She warned that any candidate who violates the stipulated rules risks being fined up to MK5 million.
Furthermore, Justice Mtalimanja emphasized that the Commission holds the legal authority to go beyond fines and disqualify any candidate found guilty of breaching electoral laws.
She added that MEC would not hesitate to invoke this mandate if a candidate is found to be in serious violation of the law.
The Chairperson’s strong message was meant to instill discipline and responsibility among all competing political figures ahead of the crucial 2025 polls.
Justice Mtalimanja concluded by urging candidates to campaign with integrity, avoid violence, and focus on issue-based politics that benefit the people of Malawi.
