As the day of election case ruling slowly approaches, the government has taken effort in calling all Malawians to maintain peace, unity and tolerance during this time.

In a press release signed by Information Minister Mark Botomani ,The Government of Malawi would like to assure Malawians and all people living in Malawi that peace and rule of law remain priorities as the country wait for the ruling of the Constitutional Court in the 2019 Presidential Election case.

the statement went on to read “It is the belief of Government that all parties involved in the case shall exercise statesmanship to let the Constitutional Court work professionally based on evidence, facts and law. Government has already shown its commitment to peace during the entire Presidential Election case hearing.

As one way of demonstrating a gesture of peace, His Excellency the President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has met leaders of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and has reiterated his willingness to meet all parties involved in the Presidential Election Case despite their lack of interest to do so.

Government would like to applaud the Judiciary in general, and the Constitutional Court Judges in particular, for declaring, through Lead Judge Justice Healey Potani, that the judges’ verdict will not in any way be influenced by public opinion. This is reassuring to all peace-loving Malawians who cherish the Rule of Law and the independence of the Judiciary.

This is why as Government we are perturbed with and condemn in the strongest terms sentiments by a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official at a rally at Mponela in Dowa on Saturday, 14 December, 2019. The official spoke to intimidate judges who are hearing the Presidential Election case to determine the case in a particular way. We would like to urge the public to desist from interfering with the court process and being seen to influence the outcome of the Presidential Election case. All Malawians must be mindful of the fact that the Presidential Election case is also sub-judice.

Government would also like to assure all Malawians and all people living in Malawi that all security agencies will be on high alert during this period, including after judgement, to ensure that peace and calm continue to prevail in the country.

Let us embrace principles of peaceful coexistence and remain tolerant of each other despite differences in our opinion and political beliefs. Let us all respect the Rule of Law and accept the ruling of the Constitutional Court, whatever the outcome. Let us all remain united and continue making Malawi the Warm Heart of Africa.

Zomba City Council fire brigade struggled to contain fire which razed Malawi’s most historic landmark Hotel Masongola on Sunday as it damaged a lot of property.

Residents of Zomba City were on Sunday afternoon left upset as they helplessly watched Hotel Masongola go up in flames.

Zomba City Council fire brigade arrived late at the scene to save the historical landmark from the uncontrollable fire.

The fire brigade team was forced to leave the hotel still blazing to refill their vehicle which had runout of water, and returned afterwards to put down the blaze which had already wrecked the iconic structure.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established as some quarters blame it on the renovations which were underway at the hotel that they might have triggered a short-circuit in the hotel’s wiring.

The amount of damage from the fire is also yet to be established.

Built in 1886, Hotel Masongola which housed Kamuzu Banda’s first Office as President of Malawi has been under Malawi government until recently when it was sold to some business persons.

The Hotel was declared as a National monument by Malawi government has been a home for tourists.

The hotel has been non-operational for months due to renovations which were taking place there.