MHRC applauds MEC

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has applauded Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for conducting the June 23 fresh presidential election under difficult circumstances.

Speaking during a media briefing at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre yesterday, MHRC chairperson the Reverend Patrick Semphere said MEC has carried out a huge task under tough circumstances.

He said the next few days were critical as the electoral body is expected to announce official results of the election which pitted incumbent President Peter Mutharika of DPP against MCP candidate Lazarus Chakwera and Mbakuwaku Movement for Development candidate Peter Kuwani.

Said Semphere: “We will make or break our beloved country depending on the choices that we make and how we embrace our responsibilities.”

While applauding the general conduct of the voting process, he expressed concern over reported anomalies and logistical problems that delayed delivery of voting materials in some centres, reluctance of some employers to release their workers to vote and some persons being denied to vote following registration irregularities.

Semphere also bemoaned acts of violence associated with allegations of attempted vote rigging in Nkhotakota, Dowa, Mzuzu, Thyolo and Lilongwe.

Despite the concerns, he said the commission is still confident that Malawi Police Service and MEC will address all cases.

Semphere also called on Malawi Defence Force and the police to uphold human rights principles when discharging their duties in relation to provision of security during this period.

Earlier yesterday, MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale, speaking at a press briefing in the morning at the national tally centre at College of Medicine Sports Complex in Blantyre, warned the public against intimidating polling staff as they will be met with full resistance.