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Commonwealth Election Observers Begin Work in Malawi

13 May 2004

Justice Joseph Warioba is leading the Commonwealth Observer Group in Malawi.

The Commonwealth Observer Group for the parliamentary and presidential elections in Malawi began work on Monday, 10 May 2004. The team comprising 14 eminent Commonwealth citizens is led by Justice Joseph Warioba, former Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Observers will be assisted by a Commonwealth Secretariat staff team led by Professor Ade Adefuye, Special Adviser in the Political Affairs Division of the Secretariat.

 Announcing the appointment of the Group, the Commonwealth Secretary-General said it had been established in response to an invitation from the Malawi Electoral Commission.

 The Observers have been invited in their individual capacities and the views they express regarding the elections will be their own and not those either of their respective governments or of the Secretariat. 

In an arrival statement Justice Warioba said, "We are here to consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole; to assess whether, in our own judgement, the conditions exist for a free expression of will by the electors; and to determine if the results of the elections reflect the wishes of the people." 

The Group will observe relevant aspects of the organisation and conduct of the parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled to take place on 18 May 2004. A Commonwealth Expert Team visited Malawi in February 2004 to observe the registration of voters, and Advance Observers have been present in the country since April.

Malawi Commonwealth Observer Group Arrival Statement - PDF 

 Click Here to view pictures of arrival statement