President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also the presidential candidate for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), on Monday attended the National Prayers for the Signing of the Peace Declaration ahead of the September 16 elections.
The event, held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, brought together all presidential candidates. It was organised by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) under the theme, “In choosing a path of dialogue and mediation, violence is not an option.”
In his remarks, PAC Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale said the prayers aimed to seek God’s guidance for peaceful elections and to secure the candidates’ commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue.
“Elections are very delicate. The number of people attending rallies are not actually the votes. Sometimes the impossible becomes possible, even the 50 plus one is possible for any of you,” Thawale said.
He urged the Malawi Police Service to provide maximum security and ensure that all candidates are able to campaign freely without hindrance. He also condemned any form of political violence, whether by the ruling party or the opposition.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja, described the Peace Declaration as a moral covenant before God and the Malawian people. She assured that MEC will discharge its mandate with fairness and impartiality to safeguard peace and stability.
