The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Chifundo Kachale has appealed to political parties to preach messages of peace and also observe Covid-19 preventive measures.

Kachale says they are ready to deliver a credible election in line with the law.

He further explained that Ballot paper printing has started but political Party monitoring as, always been the case, will not take place due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has led to travel restrictions – says the new MEC Chairperson.

Kachale further said that MEC is meeting presidential candidates on their expectation of the electoral process and also to give them an update on state of preparedness.

He says there is a deficit of about K8 billion on the elections budget and disbursement of the same is a challenge.

According to Kachale, delayed disbursement has delayed training of presiding officers which has started today instead of the planned date, June 8, 2020.

“The Commission may seek change of polling date if challenges persist but this is not our priority” says Kachale.

“It is not my jurisdiction to speak evil of my colleagues the two old Commissioners (Kunje and Mathanga). Trust us we will deliver accordingly, we have no desire to fail. I have full confidence in my fellow 6 commissioners. Please do not drive us into history to judge us, we have no responsibility for the past events, we have the integrity and names to protect” he further pleaded.

On her part MEC Commissioner, Jean Manthanga says there will be no results tabulation transmission from the District Tally Centre to Main Tally Centre.

Manthanga says the District Commissioners of each district together with political parties monitors will be taking the computer physically to Main Tally Centre, which will be instituted for the results entry.