Election date set to change again

Malawi's election date is set to change again following a High Court injunction on Friday against the electoral commission holding the polls on 25 May, sources told IRIN on Monday. The sources said the High Court judge ruled that President Bakili Muluzi should convene an emergency session of parliament to amend the electoral law postponing the elections to 8 June. This is in keeping with the constitutional provision that elections should be held three weeks after the close of voter registration. Registration was extended to 14 May following the non-arrival of materials at over 100 centres. The sources added that at a prayer meeting on Saturday, Muluzi said he would abide by the High Court ruling and convene parliament this week to effect the change to the electoral law. It would mark the third postponement from the original election date of 17 May. Meanwhile, the verification of the registration process and the voters roll started on Monday, the sources further told IRIN. "All the interested parties are expected to verify the rocess and lodge any objections at least 14 days before the polling date." The sources added that there is likely to be plenty of objections from parties regarding the accuracy of the controversial voter registration process.