Addis Ababa, 18 June 2020: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, is following closely the developments in the Republic of Malawi ahead of the fresh presidential election planned for 23 June 2020.

 

The Chairperson commends the Malawian stakeholders for their respect for the rule of law and peaceful conduct since the annulment of the results of May 2019 presidential election by the Constitutional Court in February 2020. 

 

The Chairperson is pleased that preparation for the conduct of fresh presidential election is proceeding steadily despite  time constraints and the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

He encourages all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully while also observing all necessary COVID-19 response protocols as recommended by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Chairperson calls on all stakeholders to work towards the preservation of calm and peace in the country.

 

He urges the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), all political parties, candidates and their supporters to create conditions for a democratic, credible and peaceful election and refrain from any act of violence.

 

In this regard, he calls on concerned stakeholders to cooperate with the MEC, as the constitutionally-mandated body to conduct the election.

 

The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s commitment to supporting Malawians in their quest to strengthen democracy and good governance in the country.