BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has condemned the violence that erupted in Nkhota, Kasungu on August 17, 2025 during a political rally organized by the Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda.

Reports indicate that the rally turned chaotic after a group of individuals, allegedly from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), pelted stones at attendees, forcing police intervention and the evacuation of dignitaries.

In a statement released on Monday, August 18 CSEIF described the incident as a direct assault on Malawi’s democracy, warning that political violence is increasingly being used to silence dissent and intimidate opponents.

The forum said such conduct undermines genuine competition and deprives citizens of their constitutional right to freely assemble and participate in democratic processes.

CSEIF expressed concern over the lack of intra party democracy, where disagreements are resolved through intimidation and violence rather than dialogue.

The forum called for urgent action, demanding thorough investigations by the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Electoral Commission to bring perpetrators to justice regardless of political affiliation.

It also urged political parties to instill discipline among their followers, denounce violence as a political strategy, and strengthen internal democratic processes.

The body further appealed for adequate security at all campaign events and encouraged political stakeholders to promote tolerance and respect for dissent as a cornerstone of democracy.

Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe, who signed the statement, stressed that violence has no place in Malawi’s democratic process and reminded stakeholders that elections should be won through ideas and policies, not intimidation or fear.

CSEIF urged all political players to recommit to peace, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law to guarantee credible, free, and fair elections.