Dr. Chilima urged President Mutharika to desist the temptation of “listening to self-serving individuals” around him who may be harboring ill-conceived thought in the event the matter before the constitutional court was against Mutharika as respondent.

“Let me take this opportunity to remind Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika that during critical moments throughout the history of the nation, the heads of state have risen above personal and partisan interests to make decisions that benefitted the nation,” he said urging Mutharika to accept and respect what the courts will determine.

On his part, the UTM president said is ready to accept the ruling of the court and that should the need arise, he would take the matter further to the court of appeal.

Meanwhile, Chilima called for peace to reign as he was against anything that could bring about loss of life and property. He was addressing the media in Lilongwe on Thursday where he also stressed on the need for professional police conduct.

Said Chilima: “We do not consider this as collateral damage in the people's quest for their voices to be heard. Every loss of life and property should be avoided no matter the cause”. He, however, observed the right for people to demonstrate peacefully.

Going forward, Chilima said the UTM is willing to go into political relationship with other opposition political parties on condition that that aims to serve Malawians.

On alleged attempts to bribe judges who were hearing the election case , Dr. Chilima said responsible bodies should be allowed to investigate the alleged bribery case without any interference.

Last week President for the Malawi Congress Party, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, also asked Malawians to accept the court ruling and avoid violence.

Several stakeholders including National Initiative for Civic Education NICE Trust , have been implementing initiatives aimed at promoting peace and co-exisitence.

The constitutional court is expected to make its ruling in the Presidential election case Monday, February 3, 2020 . Two petitioners Dr. Saulos Chilima and Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, want the court to nullify the May 21, 2019 Presidential Election.