By Sarah Mlozoa

Malawi’s Catholic Bishops have called on Malawians to ensure they choose a visionary leader who has the potential to develop the nation.

The bishops under the banner, Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), have made the call as the country prepares for the fresh presidential election.

In a pastoral letter read out in all Catholic Parishes on May 24, 2020, the Bishops said failure to have such a leader will result into more chaos, a divided citizenry and deepening levels of poverty.

The bishops expressed the need for the nation to solve some of the challenges like rising tribalism, increasing acts of political violence, rising levels of impunity and corruption.

They added that the challenges needs urgent attention to save the country.

The bishops also expressed concern on the loss of public trust and confidence in the current commissioner for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and biased, unprofessional and defamatory reporting by the public broadcaster, Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).

ECM also expressed concern over the general abuse of freedom of expression by political party leaders during the ongoing campaign period.

The bishops have since called all duty bearers to ensure that the forthcoming presidential election is free, fair, credible and peaceful.