Keypoints:
- Advocacy group praises Malawi’s peaceful elections
- Mutharika, Chakwera commended for leadership
- MEC role hailed as African example
REGIONAL advocacy group, the Pan-African Alliance for Transparency and Rule of Law in Africa (PATROL-AFRICA), has praised Malawians for their peaceful and democratic elections, commending both voters and leaders for ensuring a smooth transition of power.
Praise for voters and leaders
In a statement, PATROL-AFRICA applauded citizens for their ‘unwavering commitment and dedication to the democratic process’ and for the ‘democratic and peaceful manner’ in which they changed their government after five years.
The group congratulated the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President-Elect Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for running what it called ‘a well-run campaign’. It added that ‘this victory belongs to the Malawian people’.
Outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party was also commended for conceding defeat. According to the statement, his decision highlighted ‘the commitment of political leadership’ and the determination of Malawians to uphold constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Electoral body praised
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) received particular recognition for ensuring credible elections. PATROL-AFRICA described its role as validation of the importance of strong, independent institutions in safeguarding public trust in electoral processes. The group noted that the MEC’s performance was ‘a remarkable example that should be fully emulated by other electoral bodies on the continent’.
Looking ahead
The Dakar-based organisation said it would continue to support Malawi’s new leadership. ‘PATROL-AFRICA is determined and looks forward to working closely and supporting the incoming leadership of Malawi under the President-Elect and the Malawian people, as they continue their quest to strengthen transparency, rule of law, and democracy in the country,’ the statement concluded.
PATROL-AFRICA works with African countries to advance judicial and legal reforms, which it regards as essential to political and socio-economic development. The group was founded by Adama Dieng, a Senegalese jurist and former UN Under-Secretary-General, who now serves as the African Union Special Envoy on the Prevention of Genocide and other Mass Atrocities.
