EU electoral observers ready for May elections
By Rebecca Chimjeka:
With two months to go before the May 21 tripartite elections, the government, European Union (EU) and Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, paving the way for the EU to observe the elections.
The agreement has been signed by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ben Botolo, EU Ambassador to Malawi Sandra Paesen and the Chairperson of Mec Electoral Services Committee Jean Mathanga on behalf of Mec Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah.
Peasan said her government appreciates Mec’s and the government’s invitation to observe elections in the country.
“EU praises the solid preparedness for these tripartite elections with independent and robust institutions and innovative instruments and registration process. We also appreciate the commitment of the government in ensuring financial availability for the process,” she said.
She also said the EU would continue to provide support for institutional capacity building to promote a credible, transparent, participatory and inclusive electoral process.
The observers seek to, among other objectives, provide an informed and factual assessment of the electoral process.
Mathanga said international observer missions promote credibility of elections.
“The mission has made valuable recommendations for the electoral body to improve management of the coming elections” Mathanga said.
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