Former governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has commended Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for the manner it has handled the September 16 General Election process this far.
The party’s director of elections Jean Mathanga, addressing a press conference in Lilongwe yesterday, said the electoral process has been transparent and open to all stakeholders, adding that the party is monitoring the whole electoral process.
and Mhango. | Jacob Nankhonya
She said the party had resolved to remain quiet, but was compelled to speak because of misinformation propagated by some quarters on social media and other platforms.
Mathanga, a former MEC commissioner, said: “We want to assure all Malawians that your vote is in safe hands at the Malawi Electoral Commission. All signed sheets are the bedrock of this election and, as a party we have all that in our safe custody.”
Flanked by some senior members of the party, namely vice- president for the Centre Alfred Gangata, vice-president for the North Jappie Mhango, organising secretary Sameer Suleman and director of women Mary Navicha, she said the party is ready to accept the outcome of the polls.
In what appeared to be a direct response to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) allegations of vote rigging few hours earlier, Mathanga said the claims were baseless, adding that DPP has won the polls fair and square.
She appealed to Malawians to remain calm until official results of the elections are announced.
“Once counted, those results were carefully recorded on an official form and that form was signed by the presiding officer, MEC officials and most importantly it was signed by monitors from every political party present including those of the parties that are joining hands to dismiss a legitimate and honest process,” said Mathanga.
Speaking at the same presser, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) national organising secretary Nelson Mataya Nyirenda called on political parties to desist from making remarks that would incite violence.
He said the period between voting and official announcement is a critical time, hence the need for political players to promote peace.
MEC has been announcing partial results for presidential polls since Friday.
The final announcement is expected to be made within eight days from the polling day as guided by the law.
