Representatives of the United Nations say they are jointly working with other organisations and institutions, including Parliament, to ensure that Malawi holds free and peaceful election in 2014.

UN’s Resident Representative Richard Dictus said at a workshop on dialogue and problem solving in Mangochi on Monday that the 20th July violence had cast a shadow over the road to the 2014 presidential, parliamentary and local government polls.

He described the violence as clear expression of political and social discontent and that if there was no change, the election in 2014 could be marred by violence.

Malawi, according to Dictus, was at a crossroads and require collaborative efforts to promote peace and development to move the country to 2014 and beyond.

The two day workshop is being attended by representatives of political parties, the media, business, Civil society and Malawi Elector Commission.