International elections observers have asked Malawians to remain peaceful as they await final results of the May 21 tripartite elections.

Heads of missions for Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC), African Union Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Observer Group  said this in Blantyre on Thursday during preliminary reports presentation to the media.

Former president of South Africa and chairperson of the Commonwealth Observer Group Thabo Mbeki said it is their expectation that as the results process reaches its crucial finalization phase, the peaceful mood of the electoral process will continue to prevail.

He therefore called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to uphold their pre-election commitments to peace with the same spirit of national unity, peace and solidarity.

Mbeki also urged political leaders and parties to use proper dispute and legal mechanisms to address any electoral disputes.

In his remarks head of mission for African Union Election Observation Mission and former president of Ghana John Mahama called on all stakeholders to continue in the spirit of peaceful cooperation and respect for the rule of law that has been witnessed in the electoral process so far.

Mahama said the AU will continue to monitor developments in the post-election period.

Also speaking at the media briefing, ECF-SADC Head of mission Dr Nomsa Masuku encouraged people to remain peaceful and to accept the outcome of the elections.