By Jones Gadama

Oxfam Malawi has expressed satisfaction with the performance of sitting Members of Parliament in the ongoing primary elections across different political parties.

According to Oxfam Country Director Lingalirani Mihowa, the victories of female candidates such as Ebbie Mathanda and Mary Navicha of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda and Nancy Tembo of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), are a positive step towards achieving gender equality in politics.

However, Mihowa expressed concern over violence and bullying against female aspirants, as well as general electoral violence marring the primaries.

“We have registered two sitting casualties, Esther Asumani Majaza and Esther Cecilia Kathumba, both of MCP,” Mihowa noted.

Despite these challenges, Oxfam Malawi believes that the primary elections are a crucial step towards ensuring that women are represented in leadership positions.

Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN) National Chairperson Marcel Chisi has also weighed in on the issue, urging political parties to support women participating in the primaries.

Chisi emphasized the importance of fairness and transparency at the polls, stating that political parties should create an enabling environment for women to compete freely.

The 50-50 campaign, which aims to achieve equal representation of men and women in leadership positions, has been closely monitoring the primary elections. Oxfam Malawi’s observations suggest that while progress has been made, there is still more work to be done to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to participate in politics.

The primary elections have been marked by controversy, with allegations of violence and intimidation. Female candidates have faced significant challenges, including bullying and harassment.

Despite these challenges, many women have emerged victorious, a testament to their determination and resilience.

Oxfam Malawi and MEGEN are calling for greater support for women in politics.

They believe that with the right support and enabling environment, women can excel in leadership positions and make a meaningful contribution to Malawi’s development.

As the country moves towards general elections, the performance of sitting MPs in the primary elections will be closely watched.

The 50-50 campaign will continue to advocate for greater representation of women in leadership positions, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.

While challenges persist, the progress made by women in the primary elections is a positive step towards achieving gender equality in politics.

Oxfam Malawi and MEGEN will continue to work together to promote women’s participation in politics and ensure that their rights are protected.

Oxfam praises sitting MPs’ performance in primary elections

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost )-Oxfam has expressed satisfaction with the performance of incumbent Members of Parliament(MPs ) in ongoing primary elections across various political parties.

In an interview with Maravi Post, Oxfam Country Director Lingalirani Mihowa cited victories by DPP’s Ebbie Mathanda and Mary Navicha, and MCP’s Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda and Nancy Tembo.

However, Mihowa noted two sitting MCP MPs, Esther Asumani Majaza and Esther Cecilia Kathumba, lost their primaries.

She also expressed concern over violence and bullying against female aspirants.

Meanwhile, Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN) Chairperson Marcel Chisi has urged political parties to support women participating in the primaries, emphasizing fairness and transparency.