The nine including two women presented their Nomination Papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Sunday at Walemera Teacher Development Centre (TDC) in the district.

They are Panji Chirambo representing Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD), Silver Aisha of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Transformation Movement (UTMs) Chimwemwe Chidothe, Overstone Kondowe (Malawi Congress Party), Patrick Kampaliro representing Alliance For Democracy (AFORD), Aleke Kamangeni of United Democratic Front (UDF) and three Independent Candidates Gift Mbuna, Zelita Banda and Franklyn Yonamu.

Speaking after presenting the Nomination Papers, the candidates expressed hope for a free and fair election saying the ground has been leveled.

AFORD candidate Patrick Kampaliro said MEC had shown professionalism as demonstrated in the way they received him when he was presenting his papers.

“I am satisfied with the reception and I believe if they carry on with this kind of work, we will have free and fair elections,” he said

Constituency Returning Officer (CRO) Benson Kaphuka told us the nominations will be sent to the Electoral Commission for approval.

“This is the first step; the nominations will be sent to the Commissioners who will seat in Lilongwe on Tuesday to vet and approve their candidature,” said Kaphuka

On the day, MEC will also hold by-elections in Dedza Central East, Mzimba East Constituencies, and Chimwalire Ward in Balaka.