The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has congratulated His Excellency the President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for winning the Fresh Presidential election.

A statement issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation commends the people of Malawi for turning out in large numbers to exercise their civic and democratic right.

The SADC Chair has also applauded the people of Malawi for the political tolerance and maturity demonstrated throughout the electoral process.

The statement further hails the peaceful political and security situation that has prevaled in the country and also commends the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for the efficient and effective organization and management of the re-run of the Presidential Election in the face of the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The regional block has also urged the candidates who took part in the election and their supporters to accept the official results as announced by the Malawi Electoral Commission, and to observe the national electoral and constitutional processes should they have grievances regarding the electoral process.