by MAVHUTO BANDA
LILONGWE – THE European Union (EU) is to deploy its election observation mission (EOM) to Malawi, ahead of the September general elections.
Watershed polls in the Southern African country, one of the most impoverished globally, are scheduled for September 16.
Kaja Kallas, the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed the Italian Lucia Annunziata, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.
“I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Malawi, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the whole electoral process,” said Annunziata.
“As the Malawian people prepare to go to the polls, the European Union reaffirms its support for Malawi in its efforts to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.”
The mission has pledged to provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on international and regional standards for democratic elections.
The EU EOM will be composed by different groups of observers. The core team will consist of 11 election experts who are scheduled to arrive in Malawi on August 2.
Some 28 long-term observers will join the mission in mid-August and will be deployed across the country.
Closer to election day, 32 short-term observers will join the mission.
Finally, a delegation from the European Parliament will join the EOM shortly before the elections.
The deployment is in response to a formal invitation by the Malawian authorities.
Incumbent Lazarus Chakwera, in power since 2020, faces a challenge from former presidents, Joyce Banda (2012-2014) and Peter Mutharika (2014-2020).
– CAJ News
