By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Police Service has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public safety and protecting citizens’ rights as the country gears up for the 2025 general elections in September.
Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the electoral period, ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights without fear.
Speaking at Mlangeni Police Training School in Ntcheu District, Yolamu highlighted a five-day public order management and human rights training for police officers.
The training, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Malawi Electoral Support project basket fund, aims to equip 600 police officers across all divisions with the necessary skills to manage public order situations effectively.
“This training will enable our officers to make informed decisions under pressure, upholding the principles of professionalism and respect for human rights,” Yolamu said.
The Inspector General emphasized that the police service is committed to promoting peaceful processes during and after the elections.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja stressed the need for a peaceful and secure environment for electoral processes.
“Law enforcers play a critical role in ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights without intimidation or fear,” Mtalimanja said, adding that, “We urge the police to maintain their neutrality and impartiality during the elections.”
UNDP Resident Country Representative Fenella Frost reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the 2025 elections.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the police manage public order situations with professionalism and respect for human rights,” Frost said, adding that, “This training is a crucial step in promoting peaceful and credible elections.”
The Malawi Police Service has recently launched a revised Public Order Management Policy and Operational Guidelines, which emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and promoting public trust.
The policy is part of the police’s efforts to reform public order management practices and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
The training is taking place amid concerns about violent crackdowns on opposition protests and the use of the Cybersecurity Act to suppress dissent.
Civil society organizations have condemned these actions, accusing the government of weaponizing law enforcement to stifle opposition voices.
The police service’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and protecting citizens’ rights is crucial in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
As the country prepares for the 2025 general elections, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the police will manage public order situations and uphold human rights.