PUBLIC NOTICE: Challenging Eligibility of Candidates for the 2014 Tripartite Elections

BACKGROUND

The Malawi Electoral Commission received nomination papers from candidates for the May 20, 2014 Presidential, Parliamentary and
Local Government Elections from 10 to 14th February, 2014.


For one to be duly nominated to contest in elections, the law provides that he or she should;


a) Have attained the age of 21 years in case of Local Government and Parliamentary Elections and 35 years or age in case of Presidential Election


b) Should be a Malawi citizen


Notwithstanding the above, no one is eligible to be nominated to contest in Presidential, Parliamentary or Local Government Elections,if the person:


a) Has been adjudged or declared to be of unsound mind;


b) Is an undischarged bankrupt having been declared under a law of the Republic;


c) Has, within the last seven years, been convicted by a competent court of a crime involving dishonesty or moral turpitude;


d) Owes allegiance to a foreign country;


e) Holds, or acts, in any public office or appointment, except where this Constitution provided that a person shall not be
disqualified from standing for election solely on account of holding that office or appointment or where that person resigns
from that office in order to stand;


f) Is a serving member of the Defence Force or Malawi Police Service; or


g) Has within the last seven years, been convicted by a competent court of any violation of any law relating to election
of the President or election of the Members of Parliament.



CHALLENGING ELIGIBILITY
The Malawi Electoral Commission is urging the public to inform it if they are aware of any candidate who has submitted nomination
papers but is not meeting the criteria above for him or her to contest in an election.


The information will be treated with confidence and should be submitted in writing stating name of candidate, the ward or
constituency being vied for and specific criterion not met. The information should be sent before Friday, February 28, 2014 to the following address:


The Chief Elections Officer,
Malawi Electoral Commission,
Chisankho House,
Private Bag 113,
Blantyre
or email ceo@mec.org.mw


Signed this 22nd day of February, 2014

Willie Kalonga
Chief Elections Officer