BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has praised President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for taking swift and decisive action to protect the right to vote ahead of Malawi’s 2025 general elections.

In a press statement dated July 26, 2025, the forum commended the President for summoning an emergency sitting of Parliament, scheduled to take place on August 5, 2025.

This intervention aims to address a critical legal issue that threatened to disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters.

According to the CSEIF, a legal flaw in the current electoral framework could have prevented key groups from casting their votes, including security personnel, polling staff, accredited observers, journalists, and other individuals who will be engaged in official duties on polling day.

The organization emphasized that these voters play vital roles in the electoral process and should not be excluded due to legislative oversights.

The forum described the President’s decision to convene Parliament as a significant step towards protecting Malawi’s democracy and constitutional order.

Benedicto Kondowe, Chairperson of CSEIF, signed the statement, stating that the organization is committed to supporting efforts that strengthen electoral integrity.

He said CSEIF stands ready to offer technical assistance and conduct civic engagement campaigns to ensure the upcoming elections are credible, inclusive, and compliant with the Constitution.

Kondowe noted that the right to vote must be protected at all costs, especially for those serving the nation on election day.

The forum further called on Members of Parliament to treat the emergency sitting with the seriousness it deserves.

It urged lawmakers to put aside partisan interests and prioritize legislation that will safeguard the participation of all eligible voters.

CSEIF warned that failure to act could undermine public trust in the electoral process and threaten the legitimacy of the 2025 polls.

CSEIF’s statement also reaffirmed the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring no citizen is denied their voice in national decision making.

It said the upcoming elections must reflect the will of all Malawians, including those serving on the frontlines of the electoral process.