Malawi elections credible overall, encouraging step forward – Observer Group

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has today (16 July 2009) released the Final Report of the Commonwealth Observer Group which observed the 19 May elections in Malawi.

In issuing the report, he said: “The Commonwealth Observer Group found that the 2009 elections had been credible overall and a major step forward for Malawi. The Observer Group concluded that the elections met many of the standards for democratic elections to which Malawi has committed itself.”

The Secretary-General went on to say: “The Group also highlighted that there remain some shortcomings which need to be addressed to ensure future elections fully meet benchmarks for democratic elections. Of particular concern for these elections was the lack of a level playing field for the campaign, particularly with regard to coverage by state media.”

The Secretary-General also stressed that “the Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to assist the Government of Malawi as requested to help further strengthen the democratic process in the country.”

Note to Editors:

The Report was completed and signed by all members of the Commonwealth Observer Group prior to their departure from Malawi. It was presented to the Commonwealth Secretary-General by the Chair of the Group, John Kufuor, former President of Ghana. Before being made public, it has subsequently been distributed to the Government of Malawi, political leaders, the Malawi Electoral Commission and all other Commonwealth governments.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Malawi
• Democracy and Consensus Building