MALAWI: Catholic Church Commends Malawians For Peaceful Reaction To Constitutional Court’s Ruling On Presidential Election Case
Rev Fr. Henry Chinkanda, The ECM’s National Pastoral Coordinator and Parliamentary Liaison Officer
The Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office in conjunction with the Pastoral Department and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), have applauded Malawians for upholding peace after the long awaited ruling of the disputed May 21, 2019 Presidential elections case that were being handled by five judges of the Constitutional Court.
The Catholic Bishops in Malawi advised the nation on the need for peaceful reactions after the ruling. This is evidenced by the statement they issued last week, in which they called for continued peace and respect for the Rule of Law by all Malawians after the ruling for peace to prevail in the country.
The ECM’s National Pastoral Coordinator and Parliamentary Liaison Officer, Rev Fr. Henry Chinkanda said Malawi was in a state of uncertainty and the commissions guided by the bishops, felt the need to join hands and bring awareness to Malawians on the need for peace after the court ruling.
“We were not sure of what the future would be after the court ruling. We therefore deemed it necessary to encourage Malawians on the need to maintain peace after the court ruling. Among other things, as we celebrate the Year of the Word of God, special Biblical reflections to be used and discussed in Small Christian Communities were prepared in a way that gave the people of Malawi hope for the future, we appealed to all people and parties involved in the matter to be prepared for a loss or a win and to the citizenry to make responsible decisions after the ruling. We are happy that the people have demonstrated maturity as no violence has been recorded after the ruling. This shows that our democracy is maturing”. Said Fr. Chinkanda
The historical judgment was delivered on 3rd February, 2020 and the 21st May 2019 presidential elections were nullified and fresh presidential elections will have to be conducted within 150 days.
By: Stella Zulu Kaferapanjira
