My fellow Malawians, as I travel to attend the SADC summit in Zimbabwe, let me take this opportunity to commend SADC for playing a key role in the 20th May tripartite elections which we had in Malawi.
SADC’s timely interventions contributed to the polls being declared free, fair, credible and transparent.

As you may recall, the elections were marred by accusations of irregularities which had the potential to cause political unrest which would in turn threaten our young democracy.

But SADC’s intervention contributed to the success of the polls signalling the progress that the group is making in promoting democracy in the region.

I am also excited that the new SADC Council of Minister Chairperson who is also Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Simbarashe Mumbengegwi told the world that SADC should be proud that it contributed positively towards the creation of a peaceful and stable environment during our elections.

As a group we have come a long way because of our collective commitment. Let’s work together to make this region a better place for everyone to live in.