President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has called upon all Muslims in the country pray for the May 21 polls during Ramadan.

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar in which Muslims across the world fast for 30 days and this year’s observation of the Holy Month will start today May 7, 2019.

In a statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) made available to faceofmalawi signed by Mgeme Kalilani, Mutharika and his wife Gertrude are wishing all Muslims in Malawi and the world at large peace, joy and blessings as they observe the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan.

“As the auspicious month of Ramadan starts, the First Couple is reminding all Malawians that this year’s Islamic Holy month covers a special period in the country’s affairs as we are preparing for General Elections and we will be voting soon. Therefore, the First Couple is calling upon all Malawians to use the holy month of Ramadan to pray for peaceful elections in the country, love and continued unity among all Malawians,” said Mgeme in the statement.

Muslims believes that the month of Ramadan is unique as it is the time when Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting during the month of Ramadhan is one of the five pillars of Islam such as praying, thanksgiving and alms giving. During the month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.