By Burnett Munthali
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter has raised serious concerns over the treatment of journalists at a recent political event involving Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential candidate, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, during Chakwera’s official submission of nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Following the event, which included a MEC-sanctioned press briefing, MISA Malawi publicly condemned acts of intimidation and heckling directed at journalists who were attempting to perform their duties.
In a statement seen by The Maravi Post, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga criticized the hostile environment created by some MCP supporters during the press briefing.
According to Matonga, certain journalists who sought to ask critical questions were interrupted mid-sentence, shouted down, and subjected to harassment by party loyalists.
One particularly alarming case involved Robert Edward, a journalist from Luntha Television, who faced such intense intimidation that he had to be escorted out of the auditorium by a concerned well-wisher.
MISA Malawi emphasized that the press briefing was not a partisan rally but a formal electoral event under the oversight of the MEC, which should have guaranteed a safe space for professional engagement.
The organization warned that such incidents pose a serious threat to freedom of the press and violate democratic principles, especially during an election period when accountability and access to information are paramount.
MISA Malawi urged political parties to educate their supporters on the vital role that the media plays in the democratic process and to uphold the rights of journalists at all political functions.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) was also called upon to enforce the electoral code of conduct, which prohibits intimidation and ensures equal access for journalists to all electoral activities.
Political parties, especially those in the ruling coalition, have a special obligation to lead by example in respecting press freedom and protecting journalists from harassment.
Failure to do so not only undermines the work of the media but also tarnishes Malawi’s democratic reputation and discourages open political discourse.
This incident comes at a time when political tensions are already high and the role of the media in facilitating issue-based campaigns, fact-checking, and providing a platform for all voices cannot be overemphasized.
Journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, especially at events where leaders are being held to account on national issues.
Acts of hostility towards the media send the wrong message to the electorate and create a chilling effect that discourages critical inquiry and public scrutiny.
Conclusion
The intimidation of journalists at a constitutionally mandated electoral function is unacceptable and must be treated as a red flag ahead of the September 16 polls.
Malawi’s democracy is only as strong as its institutions and the freedoms they protect. Press freedom is not a privilege, but a cornerstone of democratic society.
MISA Malawi’s statement is not just a condemnation—it is a wake-up call to all political actors, including the Malawi Congress Party, to recommit to the values of transparency, accountability, and respect for media independence.
Failure to act now risks creating a culture of fear that could compromise the integrity of the entire electoral process.