Vol. 442 No. 2
85 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received reports indicating that bribery, vote rigging and intimidation is reputedly widespread in Malawi, thus calling into question the prospects for a free and fair election; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am concerned at reports of intimidation, bribery, the misuse of official positions and vote-rigging in Malawi. These could threaten the prospects for the holding of a free and fair election on 17 May. The UN joint international observer group is monitoring the situation closely in the run-up to the elections. International observers will monitor the elections and they will report as to whether or not they judge the elections to have been free and fair. I hope that all parties in Malawi will do their utmost to ensure that the elections take place in an orderly manner, free from intimidation and corruption.
