The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it will announce dates for by-elections in constituencies and wards where polls were not conducted during the September 16 elections once internal preparations are complete.

MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, confirmed today, saying the commission is still working on the necessary arrangements.

On the issue of funding, Mwafulirwa said the cost of holding the by-elections will be determined once the commission finalizes its budget.

“The Commission will announce the dates once all internal preparations are done. The funding required will be known once the budget is finalized,” said Mwafulirwa.

During the September 16 polls, elections were not held in several constituencies and wards due to circumstances such as the death of candidates and logistical challenges.

The by-elections are expected to fill the outstanding parliamentary and local government seats to ensure full representation in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, political analyst, Vincent Rangel says MEC is still within the law, cautioning that it should not go beyond 60 days before conducting the polls.

"Much as people have the right to be represented in parliament and local councils, but the law mandates the Commission to hold the elections within 60 days. So it's just a month on, MEC is still within the law," said Rangel.