Media gurus speak on elections

Media bodies in the country have asked all stakeholders, including journalists and media houses, to support Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in its efforts to resolve the challenges emanating from the May 20 Tripartite Elections.

In a statement jointly issued by Association of Malawi Media Owners (Ammo), Media Council of Malawi (MCM) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi chapter, the bodies call for a process that “is clear and aimed at avoiding failed elections because of huge consequences that would arise from such a failure”.

The statement, signed by Ammo acting publicity secretary Alaudin Osman, says media practitioners recognise that MEC is legally mandated to manage the elections process without undue interference.

“We, therefore, appeal to all players to give the Commission space to carry out its mandate as required by law. If a national re-count of ballots is one way of resolving the issues that have come before the Commission, we urge all stakeholders to act diligently, responsibly and professionally,” reads the statement in part.

The statement also calls for a political resolution to be considered seriously in the event that vote recounting does not provide a solution.