BLANTYRE--A political acid test awaits the People's Party of Pres Joyce Banda as the Malawi Electoral Commission plans to hold by-elections in Mzimba central and Mzimba southwest.

The date of the vote is yet to be decided upon by the commission, but on August 1, MEC has invited all stakeholders to a launch of the by-elections which will be held simultaneously, at Kapiri Teacher Development centre for Mzimba central and Edingeni teacher development centre for Mzimba southwest.

Mzimba Central fell vacant after the death of Prof. Donton Mkandawire, while Mzimba South West became vacant following the ascendance of Khumbo Kachali to the office of vice president.

"During the launch, the commission will outline the calendar overview for the by-elections and explain the procedures to be follwed during various stages of the electoral process," Sangwani Mwafulirwa, director of media and public relations for MEC, told The Maravi Post.

He said stakeholders set to attend the August 1 meetings will include politcal parties, civil society organisations, aspiring parliamentrary candidates, faith leaders, traditional leaders and the media.

The PP went into power in April without any MP until it poached scores of them who have been threatened with Section 65 which demands that any MP who crosses the floor should be expelled.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment.