Law and order, Malawi

CSEIF lauds Chakwera for assenting amended electoral law

Shaffie A Mtambo

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has praised President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for assenting to the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2025 saying is critical in safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming polls.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, CSEIF says, “President’s move resolves a long standing issue that had been a key focus during discussions between the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and accredited observers at the Bingu International Conference Centre on 2nd September 2025”.

During the meeting, CSEIF had warned that failing to assent to the bill could have jeopardized the lawful and timely deployment of polling staff, security officers and party or candidate representatives.

Such a delay they argued would have disrupted election logistics and undermined public confidence in the electoral process.

The organization highlighted that the amended law now explicitly secures voting rights for these crucial groups enabling them to fully exercise their constitutional right to vote while carrying out their official electoral duties.

“By assenting to this law the President has safeguarded the right to vote for these essential groups, averted a constitutional crisis and empowered MEC to proceed with seamless logistical planning and deployment in advance of the 16th September 2025 General Elections,” read part of the statement signed by CSEIF Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe.

CSEIF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting comprehensive electoral reforms after the 2025 polls.

The organization emphasized the importance of addressing the voting rights of other groups who have historically been left out of the process including students, accredited observers, prisoners and certain categories of medical personnel.

The group urged authorities to ensure that these categories are explicitly provided for in future amendments guaranteeing their participation in the 2030 elections and beyond.

With just weeks to go before Malawians head to the polls, CSEIF said it will continue to work closely with MEC and other stakeholders to promote credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.