He adds that MEC is then expected to inscribe the date on the ballot papers.

This follows the adoption of a motion in parliament yesterday to gazette June 23 this year as the date for the election.

But government benches protested the move, describing it as irregular.

At the start of Tuesday's deliberations, Msukwa who is also Chitipa East legislator, stood on a point of order for the house to waive government business according to parliamentary standing order 211 with aim of passing a resolution on the election date.

Mzimba North Parliamentarian, Yeremiah Chuhana, moved the motion which was passed with the majority being from the opposition side as government benches continued with their protests, accusing First Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo of bias.

Leader of the house, Kondwani Nankhumwa, insisted the way the motion was tabled and adopted was irregular.

“What has happened in the house today is very unfortunate because as you might have seen I had already indicated that the electoral bills will be discussed tomorrow (Wednesday) but our colleagues, with the help of the First Deputy Speaker disregarded that and what they have done is ambush,” said Nankhumwa.

But later Msukwa told Zodiak Media that there was nothing irregular, maintaining that they acted according to the dictates of the parliamentary order