LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A coalition of civil society organizations in Malawi has issued a joint statement calling for decisive action to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process ahead of the country’s general elections on September 16, 2025.
The groups, which include the National Advocacy Platform (NAP), Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC), Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF), and the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), made the call after suspending a planned anti-violence demonstration scheduled for July 4, 2025.
The suspension was made possible through a consultative meeting with Hon. Alfred Gangata, where all parties prioritized the protection of students sitting for their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
The civil society groups expressed deep concern over the conduct of the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force during a previous incident on June 26, 2025, and called on the President, Inspector General of Police, and Commander of the Malawi Defence Force to take concrete steps to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The groups also urged all political parties, civil society organizations, and the media to promote peaceful co-existence, tolerance, and issue-based campaigning, and to refrain from inciting or condoning violence, disinformation, or personal attacks.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has also been called upon to conduct itself with transparency, impartiality, and professionalism, and to strengthen its engagement with all electoral stakeholders.
The joint statement was signed by Benedicto Kondowe for NAP/CSEIF/CSEC and Robert Mkwezalamba for HRCC, underscoring the commitment of these organizations to safeguarding Malawi’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.
