"There will be men and women in uniform deployed on the ground before, during and after the judgment is made public. There should be no cause for anxiety," General Nundwe told Zodiak Online.

The assurances are echoed by the Malawi Police Service which says Malawians must remain mindful of the need for life to go on after the verdict is made public.

In a statement issued by police acting Inspector General, Duncan Mwapasa, the police "urges all Malawians to exercise restraint and to remain peaceful before, during and after delivery of the judgment.

"By their very nature, judgments cannot be in favor of both parties to the case. There is, therefore, need to accept the fact that, despite  different party affiliations and political interests, only one party to the case will emerge victorious".

The security organs say they appreciate the role played by the various political and religious leaders who have preached peace and tolerance in the run up to February 3, judgment day.

Information minister Mark Bottoman has issued a public statement assuring the public of “peace and calm, law and order before, during and after judgment.

“Government is aware that this ruling will attract different reactions.

“As such, state security organs are well prepared to keep the peace that the country has safeguarded and enjoyed for many years,” reads part of the statement. 

The assurances are coming after the constitutional court announced Tuesday that the ruling for the presidential election case shall be pronounced Monday, February 3^rd.

Government, Bottoman says, is thus urging all political parties in Malawi “and other stakeholders to respect the rule of law” and respect the independent judiciary.

“Sobriety and patriotism are key ingredients to peace during this period. We only have one Malawi and destruction of the country is counterproductive,” reads part of the statement by the minister issued hours after the announcement.

Bottoman has further requested the public to desist from posting fake news on social media as it creates tension about the impending ruling.

Malawi, he says, is a peaceful and God-fearing nation which does not condone violence.

The courts, the Public Affairs Committee, NICE Trust, the Malawi Congress Party, the UTM and the DPP have, in their own ways, called for unity around now.