The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) temporarily withdrew two of its long-term election observers following an attack on them on Sunday in Chikwawa district, south of Malawi.

“This incident is now being handled by the Malawi Police Service, which has provided great support to the mission, and we are liaising closely with them,” the EU EOM said in a statement.

Neither of the election workers was seriously hurt. Chikawa police are still looking for the attackers.

The mission will continue with its work on the Malawi election without alterations, it said.

“We are here in the country to support Malawi at this important time. The well-being of our observers is, of course, a major priority so we will continue to liaise with the police in the areas where our observers are based to ensure their well-being,” the statement said.

Tripartite elections are slated for May 21 in Malawi.

A total of 28 election observers were sent out to anchor 14 operation points around the country to oversee the period before, during and after elections.

EU EOM will deploy an additional 32 short-term observers across Malawi on Friday.

They will join, according to the mission, the 28 long-term observers already on the ground since April 18.