PRESS RELEASE N.101/2014

AUC Chairperson arrives in Malawi ahead of May 20 Tripartite Elections

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 14May, 2014:The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. NkosazanaDlaminiZuma, arrives in Blantyre, Malawi on Wednesday, 14 May 2014, ahead of the country’s tripartite elections scheduled for May 20, 2014.

Upon her arrival, H.E. Dr DlaminiZuma will join H.E Sam Nujoma (founding President of the Republic of Namibia) and Head of the African UnionElection Observation Mission and his team,to offer solidarity and support to the people of Malawi. She will be reassuring them of the AU’s commitment to maintain stability through democratic and credible elections in Malawi and throughout the continent.

During her three-day official visit, the AUC Chairperson will pay a courtesy call on the incumbent, President Joyce Banda, as well as meet with leaders of other contesting political parties. She will also meet with officials of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice MaxonMbendera, SC; the security services and other state institutions, to ascertain the level of preparedness as well as to reaffirm the AU’s support and commitment.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma is due to join a press conference to officially release the AU’s pre-election and arrival statements at the AUEOM’s secretariat at the Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel, in Blantyre, Malawi.

She will also grant a press conference before leaving Malawi on Friday, 16 May 2014, at the AU mission secretariat.

A team of 10 long term observers deployed since 12 April, was joined on 13 May by 40 others to comprise the AUEOM of 50 observers.

The AU implores all stakeholders to engage in the election process peacefully and in accordance with the AU election instruments such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the AU/OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; and the AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions.
Media contact:
Ms. Brenda Kok, Tel. +265 994850386; and
Samuel Mondays Atuobi: Tel. +265 995 464 308 at the AUEOM’s Secretariat at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel, Blantyre, Malawi.

JEE/wzm