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Outgoing Japanese envoy tips Malawi on court ruling

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Kae Yanagisawa has called on government and political parties to observe peace and order as Malawians wait for the outcome of the May 21 presidential elections case.

Speaking during a farewell dinner at Sunbird Capital, the Japanese envoy said she is leaving the country in a tense situation.

“As I leave Malawi, I call for peace and order as people anticipate the court ruling. I know the situation is tense, but there is need to preserve social order and cohesion,” she said.

Navicha presents a gift to Yanagisawa

There is rising tension and uncertainty in the country on the outcome of the elections case the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court concluded hearing on December 6.

In the case, Malawi Congress Party president Lazarus Chakwera and his UTM Party counterpart SaulosChilima are disputing the May 21 presidential election results.

Since Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) announced the election results on May 27, there have been calls, including from Human Rights Defenders Coalition, for the resignation of the electoral body’s chairperson Jane Ansah for allegedly mismangaing the polls.

Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha said Yanagisawa has been Malawi’s true ally.

“We will always cherish the three years you have been here in Malawi and worked with us, not forgetting the timely support you gave us during natural disasters and also promotion of agriculture and education sectors,” she said.

Yanagisawa leaves the country after serving for three years.

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