Mesn at global meet ahead of 2014 polls

The Malawi Electoral Support Network (Mesn) is participating in the first implementation meeting of the Declaration of Global Principles for Non-partisan Election Observation and Monitoring by citizen organisations in Lebanon.

Steven Duwa, with support from the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs [NDI], is representing Mesn at a two-day meeting that ends today (Friday).

The meeting has drawn 50 participants from all continents and regional networks.

Duwa, in a statement, said as Malawi is preparing for the tripartite elections next year, Mesn takes pride to represent Malawi and the Sadc region the activities taking place in Lebanon, primarily because the Global Declaration itself defines the activities and delineates ethical obligations concerning impartiality, independence, accuracy, transparency, equality, cooperation and respect for the rule of law.

Duwa said: “As Mesn, we now know the processes to be monitored and conditions required for successful non-partisan election monitoring by citizens right there in Malawi and the Sadc region.

“Critical at this time for all members attending this meeting including Mesn is the promotion and implementation of the Declaration among the citizens, local and international organisations in Malawi, the Electoral Commission (EC), donor partners, political parties, the media and various government ministries and departments with stakes in the elections.”

Lebanon President Michel Sleiman attended the meeting.