The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has 83 observers currently deployed across Malawi.

The Chief Observer of the EU EOM, Miroslav Poche, today has been observing the opening of a polling station in Blantyre and has observed voting in a number of polling stations around the city. Later in the day he will visit Zomba to observe voting there before returning to Blantyre to observe the close of a polling station and the counting of votes. 

EU Observers will cover polling stations in rural and urban areas. The Chief Observer will receive regular updates from EU Observers throughout Election Day on the conduct of voting and counting, as well as follow-up reports on the tallying and results processes over subsequent days.

“This morning, EU Observers were present at polling stations across Malawi to observe the opening procedures. They have since been mobile in their respective areas, observing voting at a number of polling stations, and they will be maintaining their observation throughout the day and into the night,” said Chief Observer Poche.

“We will not offer any assessment on the conduct of voting until our preliminary statement on 23 May, so that we can reflect on the entire day and also the counting and tallying. However, it is pleasing to note that polling appears to be underway in all the areas where we have observers, meaning materials have been delivered and polling staff are ready,” added the Chief Observer.

The Chief Observer also stated, “Many polling stations have lengthy queues, indicating that Malawians are turning out in large numbers to vote. We hope the day goes calmly, enabling all who want to cast their votes to do so.”

The EU EOM will issue its preliminary statement on Thursday 23 May at 08.30 at the Protea Ryalls Hotel. The preliminary statement will cover all aspects of the electoral process for the 2019 elections in Malawi.

The EU EOM has been present in Malawi since 4 April and will remain until 19 June. The mission will continue to follow the announcement of the final results and other post-election developments.