Three local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have said they will deploy over 6, 000 monitors in all 5002 Polling Centers across the country ahead of the June 23 fresh presidential election.

According to the CSOs, including National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) and Public Affairs Committee (PAC) say they want to carry out independent monitoring and observation.

Addressing a news conference in Lilongwe, team leader for the consortium, Boniface Chibwana, said national and local observation is critical towards ensuring credible election.

Chibwana said: “There is need for all electoral stakeholders and service providers to put up intensive and comprehensive civic and voter education and mobilisation campaign,”

According to Chibwana, despite the nation running out of time for holding the Fresh polls, but there is need to adhere to all electoral processes.

“Such voter engagements are crucial considering that Malawi is holding the fresh polls for the first time and that there have been new changes on the country’s political and electoral landscape,” said Chibwana.

The three bodies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will assist them to work jointly to achieve a common goal.

Among other agreements in the MOU, the CSOs shall conduct joint civic and voter education, joint dialogues and peace building activities.