By Mabvuto Kalawa, Correspondent – Malawi Freedom Network
Polling staff who worked during last week’s general elections in Lilongwe Rural East are yet to receive their allowances from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Malawi Freedom Network has established.
The matter came to light after a random survey conducted by this reporter, where several polling clerks expressed frustration over the delay in payment.Chakwera Concedes Defeat, Congratulates Arthur Peter Mutharika on Election Victory
One of the affected clerks, a teacher who worked as a voter identification officer at Nanjete School Polling Station in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that they were promised electronic payments during their training session.
“During the orientation, we signed appointment forms which clearly stated that money would be deposited directly into our respective bank accounts. We did everything required, but up to now, it’s water under the bridge. We don’t know what is happening. Some of us even borrowed money, promising to repay immediately after working, but MEC has not paid us,” the clerk lamented.
Another clerk, who served as a ballot identification officer at Tsokhwe School Polling Station, narrated that they were summoned to Mwatibu TDC, the constituency tally centre, where they were told finance officers would come to process their payments.
“We waited for long hours, only to be told to sign offer-of-employment forms again, just as we had done during training. This was very frustrating. Monitors from various parties have already been paid, so what is wrong with us? We worked hard and expected our allowances immediately after the work was done,” she said.
The clerks further expressed fears that they may not be paid at all now that the election results have been officially announced.
“This is embarrassing. We thought it was a proper contract, but our expectations have been shattered. We urge MEC to pay us immediately,” one of them concluded.
Efforts by this reporter to obtain a response from MEC proved futile, as calls to relevant officials went unanswered.
The big question remains: Will MEC pay the polling clerks, or has the issue been pushed aside in the wake of election result announcements?
