NGOs want MEC to accredit local observer

Elections Observation Consortium, a grouping of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has asked Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to grant its observers accreditation in some areas where they are being denied the status.

In a statement , the consortium comprising National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and Public Affairs Committee (PAC) said in the absence of international observers in tomorrow’s fresh presidential election local observers are critical.

While describing the barring of local observers as counterproductive, the statement, signed by the consortium’s chairperson Boniface Chibwana, said their monitors are being denied accreditation in Balaka, Mangochi, Chitipa, Ntcheu and Nsanje districts.

Speaking at a press conference in Blantyre last evening, MEC chairperson Chifundo Kachale said the electoral body is in contact with the consortium and they are working on addressing the issue.

The consortium contends that with no international election observers, the importance of having in place local observers cannot be overemphasised.

The three local NGOs announced their partnership on June 11, indicating they will conduct voter and civic education as well as election observation following reports that the international observers will not be available for the fresh presidential election.