Commonwealth calls for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in Malawi

LONDON, England – Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC has urged all electoral and political stakeholders in Malawi to play their part in contributing to a peaceful and credible presidential election in Malawi on 23 June 2020.

The Secretary-General said: “Malawi‘s democracy, stability and development hinge upon the credibility of the forthcoming Presidential election. I encourage all stakeholders, including the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), political parties, civil society organisations, the media, religious authorities, traditional leaders, and every citizen, to work together and play their respective roles constructively to ensure that the outcome of this election truly reflects the will of the people. In particular, Malawi’s Government and Opposition must demonstrate leadership by honouring their commitment to democracy and respect for the rule of law, enshrined in Malawi’s Constitution and reflected in the Commonwealth Charter.”

The Secretary-General underscored the Commonwealth Secretariat’s commitment to supporting home-grown initiatives in Malawi that can contribute to a peaceful and credible process.

The Secretary-General added: “The Secretariat is pleased to have partnered with national institutions to support their contribution to our shared goal of a peaceful, credible and inclusive process, especially at this challenging time when the pandemic has limited our options for direct engagement.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat is supporting partner national institutions – the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and the 50:50 Campaign Management Agency.

The Secretary-General concluded. “I wish the people of Malawi well as they look forward to exercising their democratic right to vote on 23 June.”