HRDC Calls MEC to Address Election Challenges before Declaring the Winner

Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has called on the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to address all the concerns regarding the 21st May 2019 presidential elections before declaring the presidential winner.

The group said this on Sunday at a press briefing conducted at its offices at Area 47 in Lilongwe.

Speaking with reporters, HRDC National Vice Chairperson Gift Trapence said MEC should address all the complaints including 147 cases in a transparent and accountable manner with evidence.

Trapence added that the commission owes Malawians explanation as to how some of their officials such as presiding officers and clerks are allegedly implicated in the electoral malpractices.

“We demand MEC to tell this nation the names of the alleged culprits including political parties that have been central in the alleged electoral related fraud and manipulation,” he explained.

He went to say that for instance the commission admitted that it did not distribute Tipp-ex to Poling centers yet the news spread that some of the centers used the correction fluid during the elections.

Trapence however said that Malawians should avoid violence and anything that would incite violence.

He said if need arise for citizens to hold demonstrations, Malawians should be allowed to do so within the dictates of the law.

Trapence then commended security agencies such as Malawi Police Service (MPs) and Malawi Defense Force (MDF) for their hard work in guarding the integrity of the elections and the commission for the frequent updates regarding elections.