The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) says there is hope that the 2019 elections will be transparent as some of the recommendations raised during past elections have been addressed though some remain to be dealt with.
This was stated on Thursday at a press briefing which conducted at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
Speaking with reporters, EU Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission Miroslav Poche pointed out improved voter registration as one of the recommendations that has been addressed.
Poche added that it is critical that the planning for elections is turned into an operational reality and all of the preparations including identifying sufficient transportation are put in place in a timely manner.
“We also hope that the results process will be transparent and timely, to retain the confidence of all the stakeholders,” he explained.
He said that their presence for the 2019 polls demonstrates the European Union’s continuing commitment to the conduct of peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible elections in the country.
The group has met with Malawi Electoral Commission, government, political parties, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.
The mission has also mobilised funds to help victims of the recent floods in Malawi.
The EU EOM is composed of eight analysts who arrived in Blantyre on 4th April this year, 28 long term observers and 32 short term observers and on the Election day the EU EOM will have more than 80 observers across the country, covering both Urban and rural areas.
This is the fourth time the European Union has deployed an election observation mission to Malawi.
