The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has warned candidates contesting the March 17 local government by-elections that ferrying people to register in areas where they are not eligible to vote is illegal.
MEC Commissioner Richard Chapweteka issued the warning on Saturday during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at Chimkoka Teacher Development Centre ahead of the by-election in Linthembwe Ward in Dowa Ngala Constituency.
“A by-election is meant for people from that particular area. That is why we do not allow transfers from other areas. In this case, the only eligible voters are people from Linthembwe Ward,” said Chapweteka.
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He said MEC was emphasising the matter because some candidates may attempt to transport people from outside the ward to register in order to boost their voter numbers.
“That is not allowed, and it is illegal,” he said.
Chapweteka urged traditional leaders to play an active role in ensuring that only eligible voters from the ward are registered.
“Chiefs know their people, and they have the authority that can help thwart this malpractice. We are therefore urging them to guard against such practices,” he said.
The meeting was attended by traditional leaders, faith leaders, members of the business community, interest groups and other key stakeholders.
In an interview, Senior Group Village Head Malaina said chiefs in the area are ready to work closely with MEC to ensure a credible by-election.
“We are going to apply what we have been told. What we want is a free and violence-free election,” he said.
Voter registration for the by-election is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 6, 2026, while polling day has been set for March 17.