The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Wednesday rejected presidential nomination papers for Independent Candidate Ras Chikomeni Chirwa for failing to deposit MK2 Million nomination fee as required by the laws.
According to MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the candidate Ras Chikomeni also failed to obtain required signatures in all district councils.
Meanwhile, the commission has given Ras Chikomeni up to Thursday May 7, 4pm to pay the nomination fee and obtain the required signatures.
Last year, the commission also rejected nomination papers for Ras Chikomeni on similar reasons.
In related development, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera has unveiled UTM party President Saulos Chilima as his runningmate for the forth-coming presidential elections.
MCP leader Reverend Chakwera unveiled Chilima during the presentation of his nomination papers to MEC at Mount Soche Convention Centre in Blantyre on Wednesday.
In her speech, MEC Chairperson, Justice Dr Jane Ansah urged Chakwera and the party to practice issue based campaign and civilized politics.
“Let me urge you, to confine yourself to a civilized campaign as Malawians are tired of mudslinging and foul mouth campaign. For a change, they want this election to be issue based,” she said.
MEC said it will scrutinize the papers and declare Chakwera duly fit for presidency after seven days after the closing of presentation of nomination papers on Friday, February 8, 2019.
