The Malawi Electoral Commission has finalized preparations for the parliamentary and local government by-elections scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. The official campaign period closed on Sunday, March 15, clearing the way for polling to begin. However, MEC officials have publicly addressed concerns over modest youth turnout during earlier registration phases, according to AfricaBrief.
Update: In the ongoing investigation into the K128.7 billion Amaryllis Hotel contract, the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has resolved to subpoena Attorney General Frank Mbeta. Nyasa Times reports that Mbeta failed to appear before the committee on Monday morning, citing urgent commitments. Committee members rejected his excuse and invoked Standing Order 151 to compel his attendance. This development occurs as governance experts question a recent lakeside meeting between the committee and the Reserve Bank of Malawi ahead of the inquiry.
In executive developments, the government awarded a $25 million fuel supply contract to Savari Energy DMCC, a company linked to controversial businessman Zuneth Sattar, according to Nyasa Times. Separately, authorities have removed taxes on electric and hybrid vehicles in an effort to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices. On the law enforcement front, police arrested former Immigration Chief Charles Kalumo on Sunday upon his arrival at Kamuzu International Airport, The Maravi Post reports.
Within party politics, Gerald Kazembe has resigned from his position as first Deputy Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party. Nation Online reports that the departing official called for honest introspection within the party and stated that its legacy should not be undervalued by leaders he described as greedy and mediocre.