Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has urged political
parties and voters in Malawi to be peaceful in Tuesday’s presidential
election re-run, and thereafter.

The re-run of the poll was ordered by the country’s Supreme and
Constitutional Courts after finding the victory of incumbent President
Peter Mutharika in last year’s initial election flawed.

The outcome of the poll was marked by protests and street skirmishes
which threatened peace in the country.

As Malawi, which is a member of SADC, headed to the polls again for the
re-run on Tuesday, President Mnangagwa said it was imperative for all the
contestants in the country to maintain peace and calm during and after
voting and to resort to legal channels in case of dispute.

In a statement, speaking as SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
Co-operation chairman, he said: “SADC urges stakeholders to remain
politically tolerant and peaceful in the remaining campaign period, and
to exercise calm and restraint during and after election day.”

“SADC encourages all candidates, their supporters and other stakeholders to channel any grievances regarding the electoral process and its final outcomes through appropriate legal channels,” he added.

President Mnangagwa said SADC had accepted Malawi’s court rulings on the
previous election, and wished the country success in the re-run of the poll.

He also expressed the regional bloc’s solidarity with Malawi in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
New Ziana