STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE ON ELECTIONS
THE STATE OF 2014 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS IN MALAWI AS OF TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014
.
Tel. +265 (0) 1776 181
STATE HOUSE
P.O. BOX 807
CAPITAL CITY
LILONGWE 3
THE STATE OF 2014 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS IN MALAWI
AS OF TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014
Political developments in the past few days have been challenging to
Malawians and have put to test the country's democracy and governance
institutions. These developments, however, have to be put into context.
Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda has always been committed to issues of
democracy, good governance and transparent Government since her
accession to the Presidency on 7th April 2012. The President pursued an
inclusive, open and participatory Government that respected the
Constitution and the rule of law. The same spirit has been demonstrated in
the run-up to the elections, when she levelled the political playing field to all
political parties. The President and her Government has managed to heal
the country from previous tension and divisions; recovered the economy
from near collapse and laid strong foundation for sustainable growth.
The President opened up the public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting
Corporation (MBC) to all political players; she did not use the state
machinery at her disposal to block, interfere, threaten or ban political
activities of all contesting parties as has been the trend since 1994.
2 | P a g e
Malawians ought to remember that previous administrations used District
Commissioners and Police to achieve these unacceptable acts.
Even though some opposition parties instigated political violence in some
instances, Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda always urged her supporters to
remain calm and refrain from violence. As a matter of ensuring that the
Tripartite Elections were credible, she consulted all major political
stakeholders in constituting the Malawi Electoral Commission. Indeed, the
Electoral Commission is inclusive of all major political parties that were
represented in Parliament.
During her two-year tenure of office, Dr Joyce Banda ensured that Malawi
should be and it really is among the most media friendly countries in Africa
where freedom of expression is not suppressed. Reputable international
commentators have named Malawi as the most media friendly country in
Africa.
Prior to the polling date, some opposition elements and some ill-willed
commentators propagated in the media that Her Excellency Dr Joyce
Banda and her People's Party (PP) were planning to rig the elections.
However, in a meeting with the Faith Community Leaders, Her Excellency
emphasized that neither PP nor her government had any intention to rig the
elections. However, those propagating this were in fact trying to drive
people's attention away from their own evil intentions to rig the elections by
creating a false impression that the ruling party was planning to rig the
elections.
3 | P a g e
Under Her Excellency's leadership, the country experienced peaceful
voting though with some instances where polling materials were not
delivered on time or inadequate. In other cases, wrong materials were
delivered. This led to some isolated cases of violence in some parts of
Blantyre and Lilongwe, for example, which in turn led to voting being
extended to next two days.
Notwithstanding that voting was continuing for the next two days in some
polling centres, the media accredited by Malawi Electoral Commission
(MEC) continued to announce the unofficial results while voting was still
progressing in the said affected areas. Although many stakeholders
demanded that official broadcasters stop announcing the unofficial results
while voting was still on-going, announcements continued nevertheless.
There have been reports that some monitors in some polling centres were
chased by police and MEC officials, mainly teachers and police officers,
even before sealing of ballot papers while in other cases a systematic
pattern was emerging that polling staff were influencing voters to vote for
certain candidates. These polling officers, mainly teachers and police
officers, have now been exposed some of whom have confessed that they
were induced with monetary rewards by a certain Presidential candidate.
With the foregoing in mind, it was not surprising when revelations of serious
irregularities started emerging; these irregularities had mostly four (4)
patterns.
4 | P a g e
1) Tallies from some constituencies were deliberately altered where
figures were inflated to favour certain candidates as in Machinga
North East where 38,778 registered voters were recorded while the
tally was purposely inflated to purport that 184,223 had voted,
figures inflated in favour of a particular candidate; (evidence
available);
2) Tallies from polling centres where figures were deliberately erased,
tippexed, configured and accordingly adjusted to favour certain
candidates, (evidence available);
3) Purported locally printed ballot papers without security features were
pre-marked for a certain candidate and staffed in washing baskets,
plastic pails and cartons and were ferried to polling centres while
monitors were financially induced by polling officers to leave the
polling centres while counting progressed. Most of these tallies were
not signed and counter-signed by the monitors as required,
(evidence available);
4) Some Presiding Officers from one polling centre signed for three
different polling centres and in all cases, the figures for a certain
candidate were almost the same.
As these challenges were becoming apparent, it was learnt that the
Information Management System designed to manage elections results
was hacked into and crushed. The election stakeholders started raising
alarm and the following were raised;
a) That announcing of the unofficial results be discontinued,
5 | P a g e
b) That the Electoral Commission embarks on manual counting and
verification to address the irregularities as presented by electoral
stakeholders.
To add to these voices, Her Excellency the President called upon Malawi
Electoral Commission to recount the votes and address the irregularities
that had been registered by the stakeholders.
The Malawi Electoral Commission Chairman rudely responded to these
calls as "Cries of losers" and disregarded all the complaints as raised by
political parties and other electoral stakeholders. Soon thereafter, wide
revelations of rampant and serious irregularities in the electoral process
started flooding the public domain. It then became public knowledge that
indeed the electoral process had been defrauded. Despite this public outcry
and threats of violence from some political parties, the Malawi Electoral
Commission Chairperson was intransigent, insensitive and non-responsive
to the unfolding events. At this time, it became apparent that the Malawi
Electoral Commission had lost control of their own process; were not able
to provide leadership in announcement of results and had lost control of
election data notwithstanding that accredited media were still announcing
the unofficial results and that tension was brewing in the country.
At this point, Electoral Stakeholders including some Presidential candidates
approached the President, Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda to rise above
politics and provide direction for the country. Hence, Her Excellency the
President issued a Presidential Proclamation on Saturday 24th May 2014,
6 | P a g e
four days after voting to nullify the electoral process due to serious
irregularities that had emerged and the State President determined that
fresh elections be held in 90 days. Her Excellency The State President
used the powers vested in her, under Section 88 (2) to provide Executive
Direction in the interest of national unity and security.
The immediate reaction to this proclamation by certain sectors of the
society who felt were going to benefit from the serious electoral
irregularities was negative.
However, four hours after the proclamation, the Malawi Electoral
Commission came public to address the nation admitting that the electoral
process could indeed not be relied upon, and the electoral data could was
not trustworthy and therefore could not provide a credible platform for
announcement of results.
Secondly, the Commission requested the nation to give them an allowance
of 30 days to physically verify the ballot papers and conduct the recount of
the votes to remedy the many irregularities the Commission had come
across. This admission by the Commission vindicated the Presidential
Proclamation that had just been issued and further comforted the public as
it was now evident that the Commission had started listening and acting in
the national interest.
In a similar show of support, one of the broadcasting houses that was
accredited to announce the election results, Zodiak Broadcasting Station
7 | P a g e
(ZBS), five hours after the proclamation, went public retracting that the
electoral results they were announcing were unverified, could not be relied
upon hence should be disregarded.
It became evident that the Presidential Proclamation had calmed the
citizens and it brought hope of a peaceful and credible resolution to the
irregularities of the electoral process.
Despite the public excitement that this development brought to the nation,
the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and their network obtained three
injunctions restraining Malawi Electoral Commission from proceeding with
the recounting and verification exercise. Malawi Electoral Commission and
Malawi Law Society also obtained injunctions against the President's
Proclamation. These many injunctions brought confusion to the direction of
the whole electoral process and demonstrated that the credibility of the
electoral process had been destroyed leaving the expectations of
Malawians heavily eroded.
After extensive public debate and Stakeholders' consultations, Malawi
Electoral Commission announced to the nation on 26th May 2014 that they
are convinced that the data available could be relied upon and therefore
will not announce the results of the elections until a full recount and
verification had been done; they further announced that they will take 30
days to carry out this exercise. This announcement by the Commission
brought comfort and relief to the Malawi populace that the call by Her
Excellency The President Dr Joyce Banda was now being heeded to.
8 | P a g e
Despite this new welcoming decision by Malawi Electoral Commission,
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is still bent on frustrating this
development which has been thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by
Election Stakeholders and welcomed by the whole nation. The question in
the people's minds is why is the DPP still refusing the welcome
development accepted by all stakeholders? If indeed the DPP has won
legitimately, why not wait for the audit process to finish so that they form
the next government on a clean sheet?
Reference can be made to several commentaries and expert opinion some of
which are attached.
ISSUED BY
STATE HOUSE PRESS OFFICE
KAMUZU PALACE, LILONGWE
27TH MAY 2014
On Wednesday, May 28, 2014 10:32:26 PM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:
-- THE STATE OF 2014 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS IN MALAWI AS OF TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014
.
Tel. +265 (0) 1776 181
STATE HOUSE
P.O. BOX 807
CAPITAL CITY
LILONGWE 3
THE STATE OF 2014 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS IN MALAWI
AS OF TUESDAY 27TH MAY 2014
Political developments in the past few days have been challenging to
Malawians and have put to test the country's democracy and governance
institutions. These developments, however, have to be put into context.
Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda has always been committed to issues of
democracy, good governance and transparent Government since her
accession to the Presidency on 7th April 2012. The President pursued an
inclusive, open and participatory Government that respected the
Constitution and the rule of law. The same spirit has been demonstrated in
the run-up to the elections, when she levelled the political playing field to all
political parties. The President and her Government has managed to heal
the country from previous tension and divisions; recovered the economy
from near collapse and laid strong foundation for sustainable growth.
The President opened up the public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting
Corporation (MBC) to all political players; she did not use the state
machinery at her disposal to block, interfere, threaten or ban political
activities of all contesting parties as has been the trend since 1994.
2 | P a g e
Malawians ought to remember that previous administrations used District
Commissioners and Police to achieve these unacceptable acts.
Even though some opposition parties instigated political violence in some
instances, Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda always urged her supporters to
remain calm and refrain from violence. As a matter of ensuring that the
Tripartite Elections were credible, she consulted all major political
stakeholders in constituting the Malawi Electoral Commission. Indeed, the
Electoral Commission is inclusive of all major political parties that were
represented in Parliament.
During her two-year tenure of office, Dr Joyce Banda ensured that Malawi
should be and it really is among the most media friendly countries in Africa
where freedom of expression is not suppressed. Reputable international
commentators have named Malawi as the most media friendly country in
Africa.
Prior to the polling date, some opposition elements and some ill-willed
commentators propagated in the media that Her Excellency Dr Joyce
Banda and her People's Party (PP) were planning to rig the elections.
However, in a meeting with the Faith Community Leaders, Her Excellency
emphasized that neither PP nor her government had any intention to rig the
elections. However, those propagating this were in fact trying to drive
people's attention away from their own evil intentions to rig the elections by
creating a false impression that the ruling party was planning to rig the
elections.
3 | P a g e
Under Her Excellency's leadership, the country experienced peaceful
voting though with some instances where polling materials were not
delivered on time or inadequate. In other cases, wrong materials were
delivered. This led to some isolated cases of violence in some parts of
Blantyre and Lilongwe, for example, which in turn led to voting being
extended to next two days.
Notwithstanding that voting was continuing for the next two days in some
polling centres, the media accredited by Malawi Electoral Commission
(MEC) continued to announce the unofficial results while voting was still
progressing in the said affected areas. Although many stakeholders
demanded that official broadcasters stop announcing the unofficial results
while voting was still on-going, announcements continued nevertheless.
There have been reports that some monitors in some polling centres were
chased by police and MEC officials, mainly teachers and police officers,
even before sealing of ballot papers while in other cases a systematic
pattern was emerging that polling staff were influencing voters to vote for
certain candidates. These polling officers, mainly teachers and police
officers, have now been exposed some of whom have confessed that they
were induced with monetary rewards by a certain Presidential candidate.
With the foregoing in mind, it was not surprising when revelations of serious
irregularities started emerging; these irregularities had mostly four (4)
patterns.
4 | P a g e
1) Tallies from some constituencies were deliberately altered where
figures were inflated to favour certain candidates as in Machinga
North East where 38,778 registered voters were recorded while the
tally was purposely inflated to purport that 184,223 had voted,
figures inflated in favour of a particular candidate; (evidence
available);
2) Tallies from polling centres where figures were deliberately erased,
tippexed, configured and accordingly adjusted to favour certain
candidates, (evidence available);
3) Purported locally printed ballot papers without security features were
pre-marked for a certain candidate and staffed in washing baskets,
plastic pails and cartons and were ferried to polling centres while
monitors were financially induced by polling officers to leave the
polling centres while counting progressed. Most of these tallies were
not signed and counter-signed by the monitors as required,
(evidence available);
4) Some Presiding Officers from one polling centre signed for three
different polling centres and in all cases, the figures for a certain
candidate were almost the same.
As these challenges were becoming apparent, it was learnt that the
Information Management System designed to manage elections results
was hacked into and crushed. The election stakeholders started raising
alarm and the following were raised;
a) That announcing of the unofficial results be discontinued,
5 | P a g e
b) That the Electoral Commission embarks on manual counting and
verification to address the irregularities as presented by electoral
stakeholders.
To add to these voices, Her Excellency the President called upon Malawi
Electoral Commission to recount the votes and address the irregularities
that had been registered by the stakeholders.
The Malawi Electoral Commission Chairman rudely responded to these
calls as "Cries of losers" and disregarded all the complaints as raised by
political parties and other electoral stakeholders. Soon thereafter, wide
revelations of rampant and serious irregularities in the electoral process
started flooding the public domain. It then became public knowledge that
indeed the electoral process had been defrauded. Despite this public outcry
and threats of violence from some political parties, the Malawi Electoral
Commission Chairperson was intransigent, insensitive and non-responsive
to the unfolding events. At this time, it became apparent that the Malawi
Electoral Commission had lost control of their own process; were not able
to provide leadership in announcement of results and had lost control of
election data notwithstanding that accredited media were still announcing
the unofficial results and that tension was brewing in the country.
At this point, Electoral Stakeholders including some Presidential candidates
approached the President, Her Excellency Dr Joyce Banda to rise above
politics and provide direction for the country. Hence, Her Excellency the
President issued a Presidential Proclamation on Saturday 24th May 2014,
6 | P a g e
four days after voting to nullify the electoral process due to serious
irregularities that had emerged and the State President determined that
fresh elections be held in 90 days. Her Excellency The State President
used the powers vested in her, under Section 88 (2) to provide Executive
Direction in the interest of national unity and security.
The immediate reaction to this proclamation by certain sectors of the
society who felt were going to benefit from the serious electoral
irregularities was negative.
However, four hours after the proclamation, the Malawi Electoral
Commission came public to address the nation admitting that the electoral
process could indeed not be relied upon, and the electoral data could was
not trustworthy and therefore could not provide a credible platform for
announcement of results.
Secondly, the Commission requested the nation to give them an allowance
of 30 days to physically verify the ballot papers and conduct the recount of
the votes to remedy the many irregularities the Commission had come
across. This admission by the Commission vindicated the Presidential
Proclamation that had just been issued and further comforted the public as
it was now evident that the Commission had started listening and acting in
the national interest.
In a similar show of support, one of the broadcasting houses that was
accredited to announce the election results, Zodiak Broadcasting Station
7 | P a g e
(ZBS), five hours after the proclamation, went public retracting that the
electoral results they were announcing were unverified, could not be relied
upon hence should be disregarded.
It became evident that the Presidential Proclamation had calmed the
citizens and it brought hope of a peaceful and credible resolution to the
irregularities of the electoral process.
Despite the public excitement that this development brought to the nation,
the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and their network obtained three
injunctions restraining Malawi Electoral Commission from proceeding with
the recounting and verification exercise. Malawi Electoral Commission and
Malawi Law Society also obtained injunctions against the President's
Proclamation. These many injunctions brought confusion to the direction of
the whole electoral process and demonstrated that the credibility of the
electoral process had been destroyed leaving the expectations of
Malawians heavily eroded.
After extensive public debate and Stakeholders' consultations, Malawi
Electoral Commission announced to the nation on 26th May 2014 that they
are convinced that the data available could be relied upon and therefore
will not announce the results of the elections until a full recount and
verification had been done; they further announced that they will take 30
days to carry out this exercise. This announcement by the Commission
brought comfort and relief to the Malawi populace that the call by Her
Excellency The President Dr Joyce Banda was now being heeded to.
8 | P a g e
Despite this new welcoming decision by Malawi Electoral Commission,
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is still bent on frustrating this
development which has been thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by
Election Stakeholders and welcomed by the whole nation. The question in
the people's minds is why is the DPP still refusing the welcome
development accepted by all stakeholders? If indeed the DPP has won
legitimately, why not wait for the audit process to finish so that they form
the next government on a clean sheet?
Reference can be made to several commentaries and expert opinion some of
which are attached.
ISSUED BY
STATE HOUSE PRESS OFFICE
KAMUZU PALACE, LILONGWE
27TH MAY 2014
On Wednesday, May 28, 2014 10:32:26 PM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:
...PRESS STATEMENT
28 May 2014Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Malawi Electoral Commission I am here to report on developments and progress in the Tallying of the election results.
The law requires the Commission to announce its determination of the national election results within 8 days from the last day of polling.
As you will recall, our last day of polling was on Thursday, 22 May. Therefore the Commission has a legal duty to announce the results not later than Friday, 30 May, 2014.
The law allows the Commission to announce the results within 48 hours after collecting all relevant information.
This 48 hours is provided to allow the Commission to attempt to resolve any complaints that have been lodged. As of this afternoon the Commission has registered 287 complaints of which it has processed 188.Ladies and Gentlemen,
I can now report to the Nation that the Commission has received and tallied all of the results for the Presidential election at the National Tally Centre.
As such, the 48 hour countdown has started and the Commission will announce the determination of official results for these elections on Friday, 30 May.
The Commission will utilize the remaining two days to finalize and resolve the complaints it has received for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections.
If all complaints cannot be resolved within the remaining time, candidates will still be able to take up any concern via a petition to the High Court, within seven days of the announcement of the results, as the law provides for.
The Commission has also continued with the verification of the results. We are working diligently to identify any irregularities. This includes the 58 polling centers where the number of valid votes reported to have been cast have exceeded the number of registered voters.
These issues will be commented on in our report to the Nation on the announcement of the determination of results.Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are all aware of the legal controversy that has surrounded the possibility of the Commission conducting a recount.
At this stage we await clarity from the Courts on this issue, as they seek to resolve the injunctions and counter-injunctions being lodged.
On this issue, the Commission has met with many of the stakeholders in the electoral process. In the past few days we have met with the Secretaries-General of the political parties, PAC – the Public Affairs Committee – Civil Society Organizations, and election observer groups.
To all of these groups I must extend my sincere gratitude for their commitment and support to the Commission as we have all wrestled with these issues. Our advice to these stakeholders is that it is not feasible for the Commission to conduct a full recount within the period available to it, and if it were possible, a Court order would be required to extend the period for announcement of results.
Malawians are a law abiding people. We are known as the warm heart of Africa. The commitment of all Presidential candidates through the Lilongwe Peace Declaration confirms these sentiments.
The Commission is preparing to announce its determination of the results of these elections on Friday, 30 May, or as the Court may direct.Thank you.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2014 8:50:33 AM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:CALL FOR PROFESSIONALISM IN COVERAGE OF THE ELECTIONS
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
For immediate release
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) and the Malawi Editors Forum (MAEF) having met in Blantyre on 28th May 2014 and deliberated on the way the media has covered the electoral process so far, and having considered the current impasse, would like to appeal to all journalists and media outlets in the country to uphold professionalism and avoid being used as tools for promoting partisan interests.
The meeting observed that the media strived to respect the Media Code of Conduct which was developed and signed by all media bodies, media houses and other electoral stakeholders during the campaign period.
Nonetheless, we would like to remind all journalists and media houses to avoid the following:
1. Taking partisan positions
2. Sensational reporting
3. Mixing facts with opinion
4. Cheque book journalism
We do not condone professional misconduct and parroting of lies and half-baked stories and believe that we have a critical role to play to accurately inform Malawians without fear or favor.
It is important to note that in any democracy, free speech is paramount and affords the citizenry, including the media, a chance to debate and shape public opinion. But overzealous reporting on the part of the media will not help the nation.
We would therefore like to appeal to all journalists and media houses to remain vigilant and professional in their coverage of the elections.
We would also like to appeal to all Malawians to remain calm and peaceful and support the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to undertake its task without any undue interference.
Signed
Anthony Kasunda, MISA Malawi Chairperson
Prof. Wiseman Chijere Chirwa, Media Council of Malawi
Cliff Kawanga, Malawi Editors Forum
On Tuesday, May 27, 2014 8:43:07 AM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:MEDIA APPEAL FOR SUPPORT FOR MEC ON THE 2014 TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS
Blantyre, 2th May 204
PRESS RELEASE
We, the representatives of the Association of Malawi Media Owners, AMMO; the Media Council of Malawi, MCM; and the Malawi chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, MISA wish to appeal to all stakeholders to support the Malawi Electoral Commission, MEC, in its current efforts, as mandated by law, to resolve the challenges emanating from the Tripartite Elections.
We wish to support a process that is clear and that is aimed at avoiding failed elections because of huge consequences that would arise from such a failure.
We recognise the challenges that have confronted the Commission. We also recognise that MEC is legally mandated to manage the elections process without undue interference. We therefore appeal to all players to give the Commission space to carry out its mandate as required by law.
If a national re-count of ballots is one way of resolving the issues that have come before the Commission, we urge all stakeholders to act diligently, responsibly and professionally. In the event that this does not provide the solution, then a political solution should be seriously considered.
We appeal for calm and patience from all stakeholders including journalists and media houses for the electoral process to be fully respected and be given an opportunity to run its full course.
Signed:
A.S. Osman
Acting Publicity Secretary
AMMO Secretariat
BLANTYRE
Mobile: 0999960277
On Tuesday, May 27, 2014 10:05:54 AM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:MCP stay order: ORDER STAYING EXECUTION OF THE ORDER STAYING EXECUTION OF AN ORDER STAYING THE DECISION OF THE RESPONDENT TO STOP THE PUBLICATION OF THE DETERMINATION OF THE NATIONAL RESULT FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF MAY 2014
UPON READING the Affidavit of the Interested Party /Intervenor;
AND UPON hearing Counsel for the Interested Party /Intervenor;
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED' and DIRECTED that Dr Lazarus Chakwera be added as a Party to the application for Judicial Review.
THE COURT NOTING THAT Section 76(4) of the Malawi Constitution is clear and states that the Electoral Commission shall exercise its powers, functions and duties independently of any direction or interference-by other authority or any person THE COURT OBSERVED THAT the Electoral Commission in consultation with political parties concerned having decided to conduct a
physical check or audit of the results the courts cannot decide otherwise as such conduct is deemed to be telling 'Electoral Commission how it, should proceed with its work.
IT IS THUS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that the Order dated 25th May 2014 staying the enforcement of the decision of the Electoral Commission to stop the publication of the determination of the national result for the Presidential election of May 2014 pending the recount of all ballot papers for the Presidential vote for the entire country BE AND IS HEREBY .STAYED until the determination of the inter-partes Summons .to Discharge the Stay to be filed
within 48 hours.
THE COURT FURTHER NOTED THAT considering that there are now several court cases relating to the May 2014 Elections IT IS RECOMMENDED that the Registrar should consolidated all matters pertaining to the determination and announcement of 2014 presidential elections.
On Monday, May 26, 2014 4:55:14 AM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:The High Court in Lilongwe has vacated an injunction that Democratic Progressive Party through their Lawyer Kalekeni Kaphale obtained yesterday stopping the Malawi Electoral Commission from re-counting the votes
On Sunday, May 25, 2014 11:38:56 PM UTC-7, Charles Banda wrote:Press Release By the Muslim Supreme Council Of Malawi on Elections
Muslims Supreme council of Malawi is Asking all Malawians to put aside their political or individual interest and support who ever wins the election. Malawi is a peaceful and God fearing nation.
As such we all need a better Malawi,let's hold our peace and let Malawi Electoral Commission to do its Job. If anybody has any complaint,should lodge it through the structure which were put in place.
The supreme council of Malawi therefore strongly condemns acts of some politicians who are trying to sabotage Malawi Electoral Commission to carry out its duties effectively.
Supreme council of Malawi is asking all Malawians to avoid violence and use of words that might provoke violence. God teaches us to be peaceful.
God bless us all as we patiently awaits the election results.
Signed
Imran Katona
Secretary General.
On Monday, May 26, 2014 9:37:29 AM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:BALLOT BOXES WITH BALLOT PAPERS FOR SALE IN LIMBE
As the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is saying the ballot papers in the last Tuesday's election are secure, Malawi Voice has captured these ballot boxes in Limbe orphaned and insecure MPAKANA MA VENDOR KUSANDUSA MIPANDO, then you should recount these how sure are you that they haven't been tampered with? That's why DPP is saying BIG NO to recounting.
"At one incident, Malawi Voice captured an open Mitsubishi truck, belonging to Statehouse, but code numbered TPE 362 ferrying the boxes from Mitundu. As of now, the open truck has been parked at MEC Warehouse near MBC/TVM Lilongwe office and it is carrying 24boxes awaiting to offload in the morning...And around 7:30pm, a landcruiser TPE 1160 has also brought 15boxes still in the car as we are talking awaiting to offload in the morning.
On Sunday, May 25, 2014 10:33:33 PM UTC+3, lesian mollel wrote:Thats true........the rule of lawOn Sunday, May 25, 2014 7:44 PM, Charles Banda <chas...@gmail.com> wrote:
High Court Judge Healey Potani has ruled that MEC has no powers to call for a recount of the votes before initial counting hasn ended. According to the ruling which we have seen only the court has powers to call for a recount of the votes after being satisfied with the grounds or complaints from individuals or parties.
The ruling asks MEC to go ahead and announce the results and if after announcing there are any queries parties should lodge their complaints with the court.
We will keep you updated.
On Sunday, May 25, 2014 2:25:12 PM UTC+3, Consolata Adam wrote:Sent from Samsung Mobile
-------- Original message --------
From: 'Reuben Mwandumbya' via Wanabidii <wana...@googlegroups.com>
Date:
To: wana...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [wanabidii] Re: MALAWI ELECTIONS 2014 - UCHAGUZI MKUU WA MALAWI 2014
Comrades;Pamoja na haya yote,Banda kachelewa kusoma alama za nyakati.Kwamba apige chini matokeo then the next asishiriki kwa kuwa kaona upepo sio wenyewe ili isipatwe na aibu,inabidi akubali matokeo ndo ustaarabu.Reuben
From: "hosea...@gmail.com" <hosea...@gmail.com>
To: wana...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2014 1:37 PM
Subject: [wanabidii] Re: MALAWI ELECTIONS 2014 - UCHAGUZI MKUU WA MALAWI 2014
Uchaguzi wa malawi umekuwa somo kwetu, hawa wezi wa kura sijui wamekodiwa nchi gani! Yaani iadadi ya kura ni nyingi kuliko wamalawi, yaani hatakama wangepiga na watoto wachanga wasingefikia idadi hiyo.
----------
Sent from my Nokia phone
------Original message------
From: Charles Banda <chasbanda@gmail.com>
To: <wanabidii@googlegroups.com>
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2014 12:40:21 AM GMT-0700
Subject: Re: [wanabidii] Re: MALAWI ELECTIONS 2014 - UCHAGUZI MKUU WA MALAWI 2014
GHOST VOTERS MAR MALAWI ELECTION-MACHINGA CONSTITUENCY WITH 38 000
REGISTERED VOTERS OVER 184 000 VOTED, MANGOCHI 39 000 REGISTERED BUT 180
000 VOTED-Sample of polling station certificate
All indications are that Malawians have woken up to a
new reality. The much awaited elections have confirmed
one thing. Fraud and corruption is rampant in Malawi,
the scourge has plunged the elections into bitter feud.
Strange numbers are imaging from the districts. Ghost
voters were put to work to decide who would govern
Malawi for the next five years. This is the country where
the ruling party was squeezed out of the race. The
district with 38,000 registered voters has produced more
than 184,000 votes. Such instances are increasing
thereby casting a reasonable doubt on the credibility of
the poll.
Malawians must be worried. Be worried indeed. If
thieves dribble the nation at the polling stations what
will happen when they are in control of the government
machinery.
Documents are showing serious irregularities. Officers at
the polling stations are saying numbers sent to the
tallying centers are not true. Sums that do not make
sense. Arithmetic that does not exist.
These elections will produce electoral outcome without
credibility. The Government with fake mandate to
govern. Chaos will reign.
We are inclined to agree with PP, MCP and UDF that the
elections are possibly rigged and manual recounting,
tallying will bring back confidence. Something is simply
strange.
On Saturday, May 24, 2014 11:58:10 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>
> The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has nullified all the results it
> announced some days ago and said it will recount again the votes beginning
> Monday next week.
>
> "We have found evidence that in some centers, the number of registered
> voters exceed the number of reported votes. so we will do a manual recount
> which will take almost 30 days," Reverend Chimkwita of MEC said
>
> Kuli JB ko akungosekelera ndithu. She said this but we made fun of her now
> she has the last laugh
>
>
> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 11:53:12 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>
>> THIS IS WHAT MCP HAS TO SAY ON MAY 20 POLLS!!!
>>
>> 1. We are telling Malawians that Dr. Chakwera is leading in the polls
>> according to figures from legally signed MEC tally sheets
>>
>> 2. As a Party, MCP conducted a thorough recount of all original result
>> sheets for all the 193 constituencies
>>
>> 3. Registered votes for Machinga NE is 33 778 but the results show 184
>> 223 votes cast in the constituency
>>
>> 4. Blantyre Rural tally sheets for the presidential election was not
>> signed by the party representatives and returning officers
>>
>> 5. Unexplained voter apathy vesus actual votes cast. Imagibe Dowa West
>> had 70 835 registered voters but only 1164 people voted. How? Why?
>>
>> 6. Zodiak Radio has been biased in its reporting. MCP got 118 340 votes
>> from the city of Lilongwe but it reported that MCP got 38 338. As such
>> Zodiak should stop broadcasting all election results
>>
>> 7. All results in Phalombe have been doctored
>>
>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 10:09:51 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>
>>> Sadc observers mission declares Malawi elections peaceful, free, fair,
>>> transparent and credible.
>>>
>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 9:47:03 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>>
>>>> #MEC<https://www.facebook. com/hashtag/mec?source=feed_ text&story_id=676662935740115> says
>>>> has halted the electoral process. There will be a recount of all votes due
>>>> to massive anomalies. #MalawiVote2014<https:// www.facebook.com/hashtag/ malawivote2014?source=feed_ text&story_id=676662935740115>
>>>>
>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 8:46:52 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> CATHOLIC BISHOPS' STATEMENT ON THE TRIPARTITE ELECTIONS
>>>>>
>>>>> Let Justice and Peace Embrace!
>>>>>
>>>>> Preamble
>>>>>
>>>>> The Episcopal Conference of Malawi, an umbrella body for the eight
>>>>> Catholic Dioceses in Malawi, having followed with keen interest the turn of
>>>>> events surrounding the current Tripartite Elections, wishes, through this
>>>>> statement, to make its humble but sincere contribution towards the building
>>>>> of our nation at this critical juncture.
>>>>>
>>>>> What we have noted
>>>>> We recognize that the road to the tripartite polls has been a mixed
>>>>> bag of preparatory successes and challenges resulting in doubts been cast
>>>>> on the levels of preparedness, the competence of the Malawi Electoral
>>>>> Commission and the credibility of the results;
>>>>> We note that some logistical challenges resulted into some polling
>>>>> centres opening late and some other pockets of polling centres not actually
>>>>> voting on 20th May in so doing heightening the levels of impatience among
>>>>> some Malawian citizens;
>>>>> We regret that in a few places the levels of frustration because of
>>>>> electoral related logistical challenges degenerated into ugly scenes of
>>>>> anarchy and violence;
>>>>> We note with a sigh of relief that even in such a challenging
>>>>> operating environment, alternatives were found to allow Malawians exercise
>>>>> their right to vote on 21st and 22nd May;
>>>>> We note and respect the sentiments that have so far been expressed by
>>>>> various political parties, the Malawi Electoral Commission and various
>>>>> stakeholders.
>>>>>
>>>>> Our Call and Our Appeal
>>>>> We the Catholic Bishops, realizing and reiterating the significance of
>>>>> elections to our nation 50 years after independence and considering as well
>>>>> that this is the only time that Malawians have to elect or re-elect leaders
>>>>> who will transform Malawi
>>>>> We call for timely, effective and efficient delivery of electoral
>>>>> results that will sustain public confidence in the electoral process;
>>>>> We call for continued patience, peace and calm from all electoral
>>>>> stakeholders and Malawi citizens in general to create an enabling
>>>>> environment in which the Malawi Electoral Commission releases the official
>>>>> results of the polls;
>>>>>
>>>>> We call upon all Malawians to refrain from any confrontational,
>>>>> defensive and uncompromising language and allow room for genuine reason,
>>>>> faith and dialogue;
>>>>>
>>>>> We categorically discourage violence as means of settling differences
>>>>> of our frustrations with the challenges the electoral processes are facing
>>>>> and encourage everybody to give room and space for dialogue and mediation.
>>>>>
>>>>> Conclusion
>>>>>
>>>>> As we reminded you all through our recent pastoral letter and as our
>>>>> national anthem always reminds us, let us ask God to bless mother Malawi
>>>>> and keep it the land of peace. We are mindful of the command of the Risen
>>>>> Lord, "Peace is what I leave you, it is my own peace that I give you….."
>>>>> (John 14:27. We need peace supported by patience to allow the Malawi
>>>>> Electoral Commission to officially release the results.
>>>>>
>>>>> We reiterate the advice we gave to winners and losers in the same
>>>>> Pastoral Letter:
>>>>> We would like to remind those that will emerge victorious after the
>>>>> elections of their enormous responsibility to turn around our national woes
>>>>> and take this nation forward. As such, they will celebrate their victory
>>>>> with a sense of humility. They will do this nation a lot of good if they
>>>>> exercise servant leadership, being "last of all and servant of all" (Mk.
>>>>> 9:35, Mat. 20:24 -28), and not narrowly be interested in serving people of
>>>>> their own party or region or ethnicity. Those who lose the elections should
>>>>> accept the results gracefully and quickly turn their energies towards
>>>>> building this country. (Strengthening the Vision of Our Destiny, par.4.2.5
>>>>> p.17)
>>>>>
>>>>> We pray that the peace and calm that has been characteristic of Malawi
>>>>> as a nation will continue to prevail in our country and that justice and
>>>>> peace will continue to embrace in our midst.
>>>>>
>>>>> 23rd May, 2014
>>>>> Signed by:
>>>>>
>>>>> Rt. Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza
>>>>> Chairman - Episcopal Conference of Malawi
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 8:30:39 PM UTC+3, mathewmndeme wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> And this is what is provided in the current version (2010 Review)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *[Ch0000s82]82. Renumeration*
>>>>>> *31 of 1994, 13 of 2001*The President, First Vice-President and
>>>>>> Second Vice-President shall receive such salary, allowance or pension as
>>>>>> may, from time to time, be determined by Parliament in consultation with
>>>>>> the President and shall have such adequate number of residences and
>>>>>> personal staff, at State expense, as an Act of Parliament may prescribe.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> She was wrongly advised
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On Sat, May 24, 2014 at 8:23 PM, Charles Banda <chas...@gmail.com>wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> 88.--(1) The President shall be responsible for the observance of
>>>>>>> the provisions of this Constitution by the executive and shall, as Head of
>>>>>>> State, defend and uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the
>>>>>>> Republic.
>>>>>>> ............
>>>>>>> (2) The President shall provide executive leadership in the interest
>>>>>>> of national unity in accordance with this Constitution and the laws of the
>>>>>>> Republic.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> (5) The President and members of the Cabinet shall not use their
>>>>>>> respective offices for personal gain or place themselves in a situation
>>>>>>> where their material interests conflict with the responsibilities and
>>>>>>> duties of their offices.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 8:17:02 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Malawi Congress Party president Dr Lazarus Chakwera to hold a press
>>>>>>>> conference at 20Hrs.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 7:49:26 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> The Malawi High Court in Blantyre has set aside Malawi President
>>>>>>>>> Dr Joyce Banda's proclamation to nullify the electoral process. Lawyers
>>>>>>>>> Kalekeni Kaphale, Noel Chalamanda, Patrick Mpaka representing DPP, Malawi
>>>>>>>>> Electoral Commission (MEC), Malawi Law Society (MLS) managed to get two
>>>>>>>>> orders (1) a stay order stopping the execution of the President directive
>>>>>>>>> to annull polls and (2) an order for judicial review of the president's
>>>>>>>>> directive.
>>>>>>>>> ------------------------------ ------------------------------
>>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>>> This means that counting of votes continues at the National Tally
>>>>>>>>> Centre in Blantyre.--Chalamanda
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 5:32:21 PM UTC+3, Charles Banda wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Mec Chairman Maxon Mbendera addresses staff, tells them keep
>>>>>>>>>> working, we have a duty to give Malawians the results and so stick with me
>>>>>>>>>> and God bless you.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Kasambara SC says:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Please do not intervene in the works and operations of MEC
>>>>>>>>>> please. Read below:
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Section 76 of the Constitution
>>>>>>>>>> (4) The Electoral Commission shall exercise its powers, functions
>>>>>>>>>> and duties under this section independent of any direction or interference
>>>>>>>>>> by other authority or any person.
>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> On Saturday, May 24, 2014 7:28:12 AM UTC-7, xavery njovu wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> anaogopa kwenda jela
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> On Sat, May 24, 2014 at 5:26 PM, Paul Lawala <
>>>>>>>>>>> pasamil...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> Mama anaogopa kushindwa?unga wa urais ni mtamu
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>> On Sat, May 24, 2014 at 5:11 PM, Nzweke Mussa <
>>>>>>>>>>>> tugu...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> It will be the same result for her...!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nzweke Mussa Tugutu
>>>>>>>>>>>>> Area Sales Executive
>>>>>>>>>>
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