First by-election ballots jet in

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday took delivery of the first consignment of ballot papers for the March 17 by-elections amid initial fears of uncertainty due to flight suspensions following the Middle East conflict. But political parties and other electoral stakeholders failed to turn up to witness the process as the cargo aircraft arrived at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) at daybreak. The first tranche comprises 11 pallets of ballot papers.

MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said the commission had invited representatives from political parties and independent candidates to witness the arrival, but none attended. But she expressed hope that party representatives would be present today and tomorrow when the remaining consignments are expected to arrive. Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said: “The arrival of the first shipment marks an important milestone in the commission’s preparations for the by-elections.

“As many of you are aware, the transportation of electoral materials is often a complex logistical undertaking that requires coordination among several partners across countries and institutions.” She said MEC closely monitored international flight schedules due to recent disruptions in the global aviation sector, partly linked to security concerns in parts of the Middle East. “These developments affected the reliability of cargo flights in several regions and created uncertainty regarding delivery timelines. Despite these challenges, we are pleased that the first shipment has safely arrived,” she said.

[paywall]

Disruptions in the Middle East following US and Israel attacks on Iran last week created uncertainty about the delivery of ballots for the March 17 2026 parliamentary and local government by-elections due to suspension of flights. Mtalimanja said MEC remains optimistic that the remaining consignments will arrive within the expected timeframe to allow the commission to proceed with the next stages of the electoral process without disruption. According to MEC’s schedule, the ballot papers will arrive in phases, with the second consignment expected today and the final batch tomorrow.

The materials will then be dispatched to the respective constituencies and wards. Meanwhile, Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has urged political parties to ensure their representatives attend key stages of the electoral process.

[/paywall]