With less than 125 days to Malawi’s crucial 2025 general elections, a coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has sounded an alarm over rising political tensions, misinformation, and violence.
The groups warn that unless immediate and coordinated action is taken, the country risks eroding the democratic gains achieved over the past three decades.
The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) and the National Advocacy Platform (NAP), joined by other civic groups, held a press briefing in Lilongwe on Thursday to call for electoral transparency, peaceful political engagement, and responsible leadership.
NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the country is at crossroads ahead of the 16 September general elections.
“We are at a crossroads, our democracy depends on free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections. That can only happen if all players—government, opposition, CSOs, and citizens—commit to integrity and truth,” said Kondowe.
Kondowe hailed the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for providing the voter registration roll to political parties, calling it a positive step toward transparency.
However, he criticized the delay by opposition parties in submitting a clear audit scope for the election management system, despite MEC’s openness to such a process of using the Smartmatic.
“This is not the time for ultimatums or vague demands. Constructive engagement is key. If opposition parties want to audit MEC systems, they must clearly communicate what they intend to audit and who will conduct the exercise. Otherwise, we risk turning legitimate electoral concerns into political theatre,” he said.
The CSOs also issued a strong condemnation of political violence, which they say has become a deeply entrenched feature of Malawi’s democratic process.
“Political violence is now normalized—and that’s a serious threat to our democracy. We must not allow intimidation, fear, or regional and ethnic divisions to define the 2025 elections,” said Kondowe.
The coalition called on the Malawi Police Service to enforce the law impartially and take legal action against perpetrators of political violence, regardless of party affiliation.
Speaking on behalf of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and the Malawi Black Economic Empowerment Movement (MaBLEM), Robert Mkwezalamba urged political parties and stakeholders to avoid misleading the public, particularly voters in rural areas who may lack access to accurate information.
“MEC has made it clear that anyone wishing to audit their systems or inspect the Smartmatic equipment is welcome to do so, provided proper procedures are followed. It is misleading to go on radio or speak to journalists claiming that MEC is denying access when no official request or audit plan has been submitted,” Mkwezalamba said.
Mkwezalamba challenged political parties to come forward transparently: “If you have a qualified consultant, say from Germany or elsewhere, and you want to audit MEC’s systems, then say so publicly, share your plan, and proceed professionally. That’s how we build trust—not through speculation.”
The CSOs pledged to remain vigilant, monitor political conduct, and expose any individuals or groups who seek to derail the democratic process through violence, fear, or misinformation.
As the clock ticks toward the 2025 general elections, with the official campaign period set to begin in mid-July, political parties have increasingly engaged in blame games, finger-pointing, and war of words—actions that are not only heightening tensions but also fueling violence, misinformation, and public distrust in the electoral process.
