By Draxon Maloya
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) led by it’s new Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale conducted a press briefing in Lilongwe on Saturday where it outlined a number of challenges that may affect a free, fair and credible election.
Among others, Kachale said the training of presiding officers has delayed since the Commission had no money meant for the exercise.
However, he disclosed that the training has so far commenced after the treasury allocated funds to the Commission meant for the exercise.
Kachale then disclosed that MEC has the following supply challenges:
MEC ordered 72 000 Security seals padlocks which are still not in the country and also the 72000 plastic security seals, are still not yet in.
15000 polling booths, 60500 pens and 12 rubber bands are still yet to arrive in the country.
Considering the logistical challenges it is yet to be seen as to how the Commission shall handle the transportation of electoral materials to various polling centers across the country considering the time factor.
The MEC chairperson has not yet disclosed as to when all these consignments will be arrive in the country.