Malawi: Elections

(asked on 17th June 2020) - View Source

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Government of Malawi on the free and fair conduct of the presidential election planned for 23 June 2020.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 22nd June 2020

The UK is closely monitoring the political and security situation in Malawi ahead of fresh Presidential elections on 23 June. We have taken every opportunity to encourage all sides to respect the rule of law, follow due process under the constitution, and to respect the rulings of Malawi's courts. We have also urged de-escalation of inflammatory rhetoric and peaceful campaigning from all sides. I reiterated these messages in a phone call with Malawi's Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs on 15 May, as did the UK Chargé d'Affaires in his meeting with President Mutharika on 11 May.

The risks of the Covid-19 endemic have impacted the possibility for international organisations to observe the elections, however the UK's High Commission in Lilongwe is working closely with civil society organisations engaged in electoral observation ahead of polling day to encourage due diligence in the electoral process.

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