LILONGWE, DECEMBER 10, 2019 (CISA)-The Episcopal Conference of Malawi has asked citizens to accept any outcome of the ongoing presidential election petition expected to be delivered by the Constitutional Court in Lilongwe after the conclusion of the case on December 7.
In a statement released on December 3, they warned that failure to observe the judgement will threaten he country’s peace and unity.
“As we wait for the court ruling, our country faces serious threats to peace and unity. We all have to promote peace and unity,” reads the statement.
The bishops have appealed to Malawians to co-exist with each other despite the fact that the court ruling might not go their way.
“Desist from any acts violence or harassment aimed at instilling fear in others. Desist also from spreading sensational news in relation to the court case especially on social media that can easily stir up and bring about disquiet, anger and violence among Malawians thereby disturbing peace and unity,” say the bishops.
“We, therefore, call upon all the citizens of this country to respect and uphold the rule of law so that all can peacefully co-exist. In the event that the court ruling does not go in your favour, accept it or challenge the outcome through peaceful and constitutional mechanisms,” they added.
The Bishops also condemned acts of violence that have been reported in various parts of the country since the elections saying the violence is being perpetrated on innocent people and their property often based on political, regional and tribal lines.
“Violence is evil and unacceptable. It is contrary to the human rights and freedoms which we fought for when we chose multiparty system of government,” the bishops said.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) are challenging the results of the May 21 presidential elections results in which President Peter Mutharika was declared winner.
