Faith bodies have called on Malawians to refrain from conduct that could undermine the electoral process ahead of the September 16 General Election.
Through separate statements and in interviews, the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) General Synod, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) and Evangelical Association of Malawi have encouraged citizens to make every effort to go and cast their votes.
In its statement issued on September 11, the CCAP General Synod comprising synods of Blantyre, Livingstonia and Nkhoma in Malawi as well as Harare in Zimbabwe and Zambia asked the church’s flock to remain prayerful before, during and after the election.
“Let us avoid spreading misinformation, bribery, intimidation, or violence. Instead, let us bear witness to the truth and act with integrity,” reads the statement in part.
On its part, CCJP, the governance arm of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops, observed that the economy, governance and peace depend on the leadership chosen at the ballot.
The commission urged voters to focus on realistic, truthful and people-centred policies capable of lifting the nation out of poverty and to avoid getting influenced based on tribal or regional affiliations.
Reads the CCJP statement in part: “Do not be swayed by money, gifts, or favors. Such things are short-lived. What matters is electing leadership that can steer Malawi towards long-term justice, prosperity, and peace.”
The Anglican Council in Malawi also called on Christians to reflect the love, truth and justice of God in how they vote, speak and treat one another during this period.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, MAM spokesperson Sheikh Dinala Chabulika urged the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure that the electoral process remains free and fair.
Meanwhile, the Evangelical Association Malawi, an umbrella body for churches and christian organisations in the country, has applauded people in the country for maintaining peace during the 60-day official election period which ended at 6am yesterday.
In an interview yesterday, EAM general secretary the Reverend Francis Mkandawire warned against premature release of results by organisations or individuals, stating that this could be dangerous for the country.
About 7.2 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots in the general election which will determine the presidency, 228 parliamentary seats and 503 local government positions.
The presidential election winner will be determined by the 50-percent-plus-one rule as interpreted by the High Court of Malawi sitting as the Constitutional Court in February 2020 in a 2019 presidential election petition case and upheld by the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal.
