Malawians are sharply criticizing theircountry's Electoral Commission for what they describe as its lackadaisicalattitude towards determining the eligibility of Ex-President Bakili Muluziahead of May 19 general election. Muluzi is constitutionally barred fromrunning for the presidency after serving two consecutive terms as Malawi'sleader from 1994 to 2004. Some Malawians say the delay in determining theformer president's status could potentially plunge the country into chaos. Theycontend that if the decision is made too close to the election and disqualifiedthe former president his supporters might take up arms in protest. JusticeAnastasia Msosa is the chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission. Shetells reporter Peter Clottey that the electoral body will soon make a decisionon the status of the former president.
"Iwould say that the preparations are going on well. We are currently working onthe voter register; we have received nominations and we are in the process ofjust ensuring that the information and details on the aspirants are correct,"Justice Msosa said.
Shesaid the electoral body would soon decide the status of the former president.
"Asa commission we haven't yet decided because we are going to make a decision ata time that would be deciding who is going to stand and who is not going tostand. It is because the process of which we are doing at the moment islaborious and as I said we are vetting the names that we have and ensuring thatthe details are alright. Then at the end that is where we are going todetermine the status of the former president," she said.
JusticeMsosa said the electoral commission recognizing the enormous pressure fromordinary Malawians to expedite the decision.
"Youknow, whatever the case we have to follow the laws. The exercise we are doingnow is an exercise, which involves everybody. And when it comes to determiningwho is going to stand and who will not, we make a decision at the same time"Justice Msosa pointed out.
Shesaid there is a cordial relationship between the electoral commission and theparticipating parties in the upcoming general election.
"Thepolitical parties are cooperative although I have seen that of late they havebeen concerned about this issue (eligibility of the former president). We arealso concerned about this issue because we would like the political parties tohave confidence in us," she said.
JusticeMsosa said the electoral body aims to organize free and fair election thisyear.
"Infact that is what we are doing to ensure that the elections are fair, free andtransparent and credible. We are doing all we can to ensure that we achieve that,"Justice Msosa noted.
Shesaid the electoral body has not only invited both local and internationalobservers for the election, but also opened its doors for the participatingpolitical parties to channel their grievances.
"Wehave invited observers and we are open. And we have even encouraged thepolitical parties that if they have got any issues, our doors are open and theyshould discuss their problems with us. So, we intend to strictly abide by thelaw and this is exactly what we are doing, abiding by the law. It is onlybecause there is an anxiety because what is happening, especially this processthat we are going through at the moment is a process which always takes placeafter people have presented their nomination papers. But it is only that thepeople are anxious," she said.
Malawiansgo to the polls May 19 in an election that observers say is expected to behotly contested between incumbent President Bingu Wa Mutharika and formerPresident Bakili Muluzi.