Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on Wednesday arrived in Blantyre, a city of southern Malawi, ahead of the country's tripartite elections scheduled for May 20, said the AU in a statement.

The statement said upon her arrival, Dlamini-Zuma would join Sam Nujoma, founding president of Namibia and head of AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) and his team, to offer solidarity and support to the people of Malawi.

The chairperson would be reassuring them of the AU's commitment to maintain stability through democratic and credible elections in Malawi and throughout the continent, said the statement.

It said during her three-day official visit, the chairperson would pay a courtesy call on the incumbent, President Joyce Banda, as well as meet with leaders of other contesting political parties.

She would also meet with officials of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Maxon Mbendera, the security services and other state institutions, to ascertain the level of preparedness as well as to reaffirm the AU's support and commitment, added the statement.

A team of 10 long term observers deployed since April 12, was joined on May 13 by 40 others to comprise the AUEOM of 50 observers.