Brussels, 04/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 3 June, the European Union hailed the smooth conduct of the first ever tripartite elections in Malawi, and congratulated Arthur Peter Mutharika on his election as President of the Republic of Malawi. Mutharika took up his office as successor to Joyce Banda on Monday 2 June.
“The European Union pays tribute to the citizens of Malawi, who have demonstrated their commitment to democratic elections by turning out in large numbers to cast their votes and exercise their democratic rights. We recognise that, notwithstanding considerable challenges, the elections were conducted in an overall peaceful way”, stated a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The EU urges all stakeholders in the election process to raise and resolve any disputes exclusively through the proper legal channels. The EU Election Observation Mission will remain in Malawi to observe the completion of the election process and will submit a final report with recommendations to contribute to improvements of the electoral framework in view of future elections. (AN)