from MAVHUTO BANDA in Lilongwe, Malawi
Malawi Bureau
LILONGWE, (CAJ News) – THE Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has condemned post-election violence following hotly-contested polls in the Southern African country.
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the MEC chairperson, issued a warning after rival parties claimed victory and supporters took to the streets either to celebrate or protest alleged vote rigging.
This amid indications opposition leader Peter Mutharika had defeated the incumbent, Lazarus Chakwera,
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, MEC chairperson, denounced the violent response to the outcome thus far.
“Violence, intimidation and public disorder will not change the figures, nor will they alter the law,” she said.
“Instead, such actions only serve to endanger lives, destroy property, and undermine the very democracy we all fought hard to establish. We also appeal to political leaders to exercise restraint and to guide their supporters toward peace, patience, and respect for the rule of law.”
This is the most emphatic response by electoral authorities as rival parties engage in rigging allegations.
MEC appealed against disinformation and fake news.
It appealed to resist the temptation of spreading unverified information.
“Fake news not only confuses the public but also undermines trust in the electoral process and threatens national peace,” Mtalimanja said.
“While the commission would not stop anyone from sharing unofficial results, that does not mean sharing fake or fabricated results,” she added.
Polls were held on Tuesday last week and MEC had assured it is fully committed to meeting the eight-day deadline without compromising accuracy and integrity.
– CAJ News