MEC said that the exercise would still proceed in the absence of monitors and observers.

"The aim of this exercise is to verify that every polling centre has received right quantity and correct materials for polling and results tabulation. Should anomalies be discovered the Commission will have ample time to correct this before polling on Tuesday, May 21, 2019," MEC said in a statement.

Malawi, on May 21, holds its sixth plurastic poll since 1994, with President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika seeking re-election against three other challengers: Lazarus Chakwera of MCP, Saulos Chilima (UTM) and Atupele Muluzi (UDF).