Chissano was speaking Saturday morning at New State House in Lilongwe before an audience of journalists in presence of President Bingu wa Mutharika, his rival former president Bakili Muluzi who are main contenders for May elections.
Also available was MCP secretary-general Chris Daza who was representing their party presidential candidate John Tembo.
We do not want to replace the Malawi Electoral Commission which has the mandate to decide on the eligibility of candidates, said Chissano dismissing rumours that AU was persuading Muluzi to withdraw his candidature.
Chissano who accompanied Mutharika and Muluzi as they walked side-by-side in brotherly mood, pointed out that the mission of AU is to promote preventive diplomacy to ensure Malawi holds free and fair elections.
Let me state categorically here as I have done before that our mission in Malawi is specifically to access political environment and suggest specific measures that will lead to credible, free and fair elections, said Chissano.
He said AU can only play the role of facilitator to help Malawians to dialogue and not give solutions.
The parties first held the inter-political party dialogue chaired by Chissano Friday evening and the former Mozambique leader described the first session as landmark.
The dialogue was landmark and the beginning of what Malawians have been waiting for, said Chissano.
He said the talks ahead of crucial polls were essential.
Talks will bring the fruits that each and every Malawian has hoped for, he said.
Chissano said it was unfortunate that Tembo, who is reported to be in South Africa seeking medical attention was not available at the start of the talks but pointed out that all along he has shown willingness that the country has free and fair elections.
He said Tembo would join the talks later.
Journalists were not given a chance to ask questions as State House press officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi only asked Chissano to speak.
Meanwhile, party gurus from MCP, UDF and DPP are holding talks and a communiqu will be released to the media at the end of the dialogue. The news conference will be held on Monday, Nyasa Times understands.
MCP is being led by Daza and other members are Lingston Belekanyama, Nancy Tembo, and Ishmael Chafukila.
UDF presidential candidate Muluzi is leading his team comprising Friday Jumbe, Harry Thomson, George Nga Ntafu, Robert Jameison and Lilian Patel.
Mutharika as DPP presidential candidate is leading his party which has Peter Mutharika, Henry Phoya, Davis Katsonga and Henry Chimunthu Banda.
Nyasa Times
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