Mesn bemoans violence, abuse of public resources
The Malawi Electoral Support Network (Mesn) has condemned party enthusiasts who perpetrate violence and traditional leaders and parties that create no-go zones for others.
Mesn made the condemnation in a statement on the launch of the First Observation Report on Electoral Process for February 2014.
The report was released at a news conference in Blantyre yesterday.
Reads the statement in part signed by Mesn chairperson Steve Duwa: “For example, in Mulanje Limbuli, on 31st January 2014, it was observed that one village head banned DPP officials from holding a rally in his village. Along the same line, in Mulanje North, it was observed that another village head denied independent candidates Lyana Tambala and Thomson Nedi to hold campaign rallies respectively.”
Mesn also said they received two cases of abuse of public resources in Mzuzu and Thyolo where government vehicles were used for political activities.
It also said reports of buying or demanding voter cards and/ or serial numbers was cause for concern in the electoral process.
The organisation has since said there is need for intensified civic and voter education, provision of funds to accredited civil society organisations and the observance of electoral laws, among others.
