Major political parties in the country are yet to decide on when they will conduct primary elections in wards and constituencies.
This is happening at a time the Malawi Electoral Commission has just finished the third, and last, phase of voter registration.
It is also happening at a time the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections are less than 10 months away.
Democratic Progressive Party spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the party would communicate once ready for the primaries.
On her part, Malawi Congress Party publicity secretary Jessie Kabwira asked for ample time so that she could consult on the issue.
UTM publicity secretary Felix Njawala said the party might conduct primary elections early next.
“We have started the process and we will try to conduct them [primary elections] in good time,” Njawala said.
People’s Party spokesperson Ackson Kalaile Banda said the party was waiting for National Executive Committee (Nec) members to meet and agree on dates to conduct primary elections.
“It is, indeed, imperative to hold primary elections earlier because it helps to settle whatever was there. So, it will depend on the Nec meeting and I don’t know if it [the meeting] will be held this year or 2025,” Banda said.
Meanwhile, Mzuzu-based political commentator and historian Chrispine Mphande has said political parties are supposed to hold primary elections early for easy preparations for national elections.
“The fact is that those who are contesting on Malawi Congress Party ticket in the Central Region have the upper hand to win, the same applies to those representing the Democratic Progressive Party in the Southern Region.
“Otherwise, primary elections are part of the democratic process,” Mphande said.
Recently, another political commentator George Phiri said when political parties fail to hold free, fair and credible primary elections, independent candidates sprout across the country.
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