In a joint media statement, leaders of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), the Malawi Council of Churches (MCC) , the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) , the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), the Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM), and the Hindu Council, said they met on 25th and 26th February 2009 in Blantyre and assessed the political and electoral processes where among other things expressed concern on uncertainity of the nomination of former president Dr Bakili Muluzi to contest the polls.
The faith leaders also expressed worry with what they called lack of demarcation between state and political party responsibilities; hate speech and politicization of religious, regional and ethnic divisions during rallies; weaknesses in the management of the Electoral Commission, fears surrounding the printing, transporting and safe-keeping of ballots; the tensions and high emotions on polling day itself.
They also feared for the process of result announcement and the possibility of contradicting figures from the Malawi Electoral Commission, the media and observers; and finally post-election settlements like the legal disputes or the issue surrounding swearing-in ceremony.
The statement appealed to MEC to manage, conduct and oversee national elections and all issues related to elections in Malawi according to the rule of law.
"We urge you to recognise that in order for elections to be declared free and fair, the whole electoral process needs an environment where contestants operate on a level playing field. It is your duty to ensure that all civic and voter education providers maintain strict neutrality and impartiality.
"In some countries mismanagement of elections has resulted into civil wars. We trust that you will strive to avoid such an occurrence in Malawi. In order to keep MECs' independent status, decisions must be made without being influenced by any political party, entity, government, civil society organisations, donor community and any other institutions."
They said transparency and accountability in the electoral process, timely information from the media houses, and timely announcement of the results are key aspects of conflict-preventive.
The religious leaders pledged to support the electoral body in resolving conflicts using subsidiary levels of mediation starting with primary justice agents at grass-root level and Multi-Party-Liaison-Committees at district level.
They called for principles of natural justice and respect for electoral laws in determining all electoral disputes.Â
Religious leaders called on all political leaders to be models of democratic behaviour by respecting the rule of law, refraining from hate speech, avoiding the politicization of regional, religious or ethnic differences, and by focusing on the common good of the nation beyond political and material ambitions.
They also asked all candidates to respect electoral procedures and to recognise the authority of the MEC as the only legal body to handle electoral matters and encouraged candidates to respect its' decisions especially in the announcement of electoral nominations and poll results.
"Should there be disputes, we strongly encourage concerned parties to resort to the rule of law and other proper channels as they challenge decisions at various levels .
"In any election, we tend to categorise ourselves  as winners or losers. While this is the  case, in a democracy all of us aim at one goal of developing our country. To this end, accepting defeat in such a race is a noble democratic value which should be cherished by all candidates and the nation as a whole," it reads.
"As Malawians , let us be prepared to embrace all contestants gracefully as we will be joining others in congratulating winners and those who wish to work towards nation building."
It also called on media both the public and priivate to be balanced and accurate in their coverage.
They called on citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote, to choose their candidates without any fear or intimidation, and to refrain from practices like selling the voter cards or preventing others from voting.
"We caution our citizens to resist political influence towards violence. We are aware that many people are tired, disappointed or even frustrated by their political leaders in this political dispensation. We call for a renewed passion and commitment towards democracy in Malawi.
"Democracy requires committed leaders and citizens for it to flourish . Therefore, we wish to reiterate that every Malawian is free to vote according to his/her own conscience. Your vote may shape the future of this country," said the staement said.
"We the leaders of the faith communities in Malawi consider it as our joint national duty and obligation to call upon our fellow Malawians to realise that their contribution towards this electoral process will make the elections another important step in the consolidation of our democratic dispensation.
"A key lesson learnt from our neighbours is that elections can be a peaceful process depending how we approach them , but at the same time we should be mindful that they can lead to conflict, civil unrest, violence and bloodshed if mismanaged."
The statament was signed by Episcopal Conference of Malawi His Grace, Archbishop T. G. Ziyaye, ChairmanRev. Dr. George Buleya, Secretary General. From Malawi Council of Churches, Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. Joseph Bvumbwe, Chairperson Pastor Canaan Phiri, General Secretary and Evangelical Association of Malawi’s Rev. Dr Lazarus Chakwera Chairperson andRev. Francis Mkandawire -General Secretary.
Others who signed included CCAP Synods; Blantyre Synod: Rev. Rodney Bona, Moderator.Nkhoma Synod: Rev Dr. Archwells M. Katani, Deputy General Secretary.Livingstonia Synod: Rev. Clifford Mack Baloyi, Moderator Elect
Muslim Association of Malawi chairman Sheikh Alhaj Yusuf Kanyamula and Sheikh Dr. Imuran Shareef Mahomed, Secretary General signed the statement.
Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi’s chair Alhaj John Alidi Likonde and Hindu Council chairperson Dr Nandini Patel also endorsed the statement together with Public Affairs Committee chair Rev. Dr Boniface Tamani and Robert Phiri, Executive Director.
Nyasa Times
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