By Jones Gadama

In a significant move to promote peace and effective conflict management ahead of Malawi’s forthcoming general elections, the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has partnered with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD).

The two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lilongwe, marking a crucial step towards raising awareness on the progress MPUC has made since its establishment.

CMD Chairperson, Elias Chakwera, emphasized the importance of deliberate efforts to pursue peace, stating, “Peace doesn’t just happen, it has to be worked for. That’s why this partnership is important.” Chakwera’s sentiments underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure peace and stability in the country, particularly during the election period.

MPUC Vice Chairperson, Reverend Zacc Kawalala, echoed Chakwera’s sentiments, stressing the need for joint efforts in achieving national harmony. “The tasks ahead of the commission in 2025 require more than just government support. We need all stakeholders to come on board,” Kawalala said.

This partnership is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to work together towards a peaceful and stable Malawi.

The partnership between MPUC and CMD is part of a broader effort to safeguard Malawi’s peace and stability as the nation heads into the 2025 elections. With the general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025, the collaboration aims to address potential issues at the grassroots level before they escalate.

According to Kawalala, the commission plans to engage with leaders, media houses, and law enforcement agencies to promote peace and unity.

In October 2024, MPUC Chairperson Bishop Mary Nkosi pledged to continue engaging with leaders and the media to promote peace and unity. Nkosi emphasized that leadership is crucial in promoting peace, as followers often take direction from their leaders. “Involving leaders is one of MPUC’s key initiatives. We believe that by educating and engaging with leaders, the commission can help end the spread of hate speech and tribalism, which can incite animosity among their followers,” she said.

The establishment of City Peace and Unity Committees is another initiative aimed at maintaining peace and unity in urban areas, particularly in cities identified as potential hotspots for unrest.

MPUC Commissioner Zacc Kawalala highlighted the importance of these committees in preventing violence and promoting harmony.

“Blantyre, like the other three cities, was identified as a crime hotspot; hence, the need to establish peace and unity committees at a local level,” Kawalala said.

The committees will work closely with local authorities and communities to foster dialogue, mediate conflicts, and build trust among residents.

BCC Deputy Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman emphasized the need for swift action in forming the committees, stating, “We must act urgently to establish these committees to ensure that Blantyre remains peaceful and united during this critical period.”

The partnership between MPUC and CMD is a welcome development, given the crucial role that peace and unity play in ensuring the country’s stability and prosperity.

As Malawi approaches the election period, the collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to promoting a peaceful and harmonious environment.

In recent months, President Chakwera has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and unity ahead of the elections. Speaking in April 2025, Chakwera emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the country.

This commitment is reflected in the MPUC’s efforts to engage with leaders and promote peace and unity.

As the country gears up for the elections, the MPUC and CMD partnership serves as a beacon of hope for a peaceful and stable Malawi.

The success of this partnership will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to work together towards a common goal of promoting peace and unity.

The partnership between MPUC and CMD is a significant step towards promoting peace and effective conflict management ahead of the 2025 general elections.

With the general elections just around the corner, the collaboration will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring that Malawi remains peaceful and stable. As the nation looks forward to the elections, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to promote peace and unity, and the MPUC and CMD partnership is a step in the right direction.