Church and Society Programme (CSP) has applauded the judiciary for handling the electoral case with professionalism and defending the democratic rights of Malawians.

In a statement, Executive Director for CSP, Moses Mkandawire said despite pressure from various quarters, members and structures of Constitutional Court addressed the issue with great professionalism.

Mkandawire further said that this development indicate the beginning of maturity of Malawi’s democracy.

On February 3, 2020 the Constitutional Court nullified the May 21, 2019 presidential election in favor of the petitioners Dr Saulos Chilima and Lazarus Chakwera and ordered a fresh election within 150 days.

“This will strengthen the country’s reputation to the globe and it marks the beginning of maturity of democracy,” part of statement reads.

Mkandawire went on to appeal to people in the country not to let their frustration or celebration turns into violence but rather promote peace.

The statement also appealed to the electoral body MEC to improve its transparency and rebuild trust as it will be managing another fresh election within 150 days per courts order.