EU deploys 32 short-term observers to Malawi elections

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Malawi Friday deployed 32 short-term observers across the country ahead of the May 21 tripartite elections. A statement released by the EU Elections Observation Mission in Malawi Friday morning says the group is the third contingent, following the core team and the 28 long-term observers, which have been in Malawi since the beginning of April.

The statement says with the latest contingent, EU will be able to cover nearly all the districts in Malawi, observing in both urban and rural areas.

"In total the EU EOM will comprise, on election day 83 Observers from all 28 member states as well as Norway," a the statement quotes Chief Observer, Miroslav Poche, member of the European Parliament.

During counting of the votes the observers are also expected to assess the transparency, accuracy and integrity of the process.

The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement two days after the elections and a final report - with technical recommendations for future elections - will be published at a later stage, reads the statement in conclusion.

Meanwhile, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) started distributing ballot papers to all district councils Thursday and the councils, in turn, have sent the ballot papers to various tally centers.