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Sadc congratulates Chakwera

The Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) has commended Malawians for political tolerance and maturity demonstrated before, during and after the announcement of the fresh presidential election results on Saturday.

In a statement issued yesterday, Sadc chairperson Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the President of Zimbabwe, congratulates Tonse Alliance leader Lazarus Chakwera for being elected the sixth President of Malawi.

Reads the statement in part: “Sadc commends the people of Malawi for turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic and democratic right during the re-run presidential election that was held on June 23 2020, despite the challenges posed by Covid-19.”

Signed statement: Mnangagwa

It further applauds the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for the “efficient and effective organisation and management” of the election, and urges contenders in the election, former president Peter Mutharika and Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku Movement for Development, to accept the election results.

“Sadc has and will remain engaged with key electoral stakeholders in Malawi and render its support in the post-election period as necessary,” reads the statement.

The Sadc statement is one of the many congratulatory messages that Chakwera and Vice-President Saulos Chilima have received.

Other organisations that have issued early congratulatory messages include the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM), Episcopal Conference of Malawi and Women’s Manifesto Movement (Woman).

A statement issued minutes after MEC declared Chakwera a winner in the court sanctioned June 23 election, co-signed by PAC chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale and publicity secretary Gilford Matonga, cautions the Tonse Alliance administration that “democratic leadership is anchored on sustained trust”.

Reads the statement in part:  “PAC will leave no stone unturned to hold leaders accountable on their current and previous pledges on development.”

MEC on Saturday, declared Chakwera a winner of the presidential election re-run.

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