Quasi-religious body Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has engaged presidential contestants in the September 16 General Election to stress the need to accept the results even if they do not go their way.
PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said in an interview yesterday that during the meetings held over the past two days, the committee also asked the presidential candidates and their supporters to desist from inciting anarchy after the declaration of the winner by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), saying it is time for the country to move on.
Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre in May. | Nation
He said: “We discussed their views of the elections and reminded the leaders that prior to the September 16th polls, they signed a peace pact. Among others, in that pact the leaders committed to maintain peace during the campaign, voting and until results are announced.
“We secured their commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes through signing of the declaration.”
However, Matonga declined to mention the leaders they engaged, saying PAC did not get authorisation to do so. He, however, said the candidates were met individually.
In a separate interview, Malawi Peace and Unity Commission chairperson Bishop Mary Nkosi said she expects the leaders to promote peace beyond the elections.
She observed that the work that has been done by the commission prior to the elections gives them confidence that leaders will maintain peace.
“We expect that the winner will celebrate the win with dignity and humility. In a competition there is only one winner. So, we hope that the losers will accept the loss and move on. It is for the good of the country,” said Nkosi.
Meanwhile, the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has appealed
to Malawians to remain calm and uphold law and order beyond the pronouncements of the official results
EAM secretary general Francis Mkandawire said Malawi has enjoyed peace and harmony, hence the need for Malawians to uphold peace.
He applauded MEC for the way they have conducted the polls, saying that there is need for that to continue.
Malawians went to the polls on September 16 to elect a president, members of Parliament and councillors
