Traditional and religious leaders in Dedza District have pledged their support for women, people with disabilities and the youth ahead of the 2030 General Election.
The declaration follows the poor performance of women in the September 16 2025 General Election where none of 10 women parliamentary contestants made it.
Following the results, Oxf am in Ma lawi and Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) conducted an election post-mortem meeting.
| Brian Chigumula
In his remarks, Pastor Wongani Kumwenda of Redeeming Grace Church, who is also Dedza-Boma Pastors Fraternal chairperson, said it was crucial to encourage and support women to participate in politics.
“We appreciate that the women participated in the just-ended elections, but it is unfortunate that they did not make it,” he said.
Senior Chief Kachere encouraged the women not to give up but try again their luck in 2030.
“We will support you until you win the election,” he said.
Elineti Bauti, who has contested four times on a United Democratic Front (UDF), decried financial constraints as a challenge that affects their political bid.
“We appreciate the support the organisations gave us but we have asked them to start giving us such support in good time. I am ready to contest again in 2030,” she said.
Sellina Boma, a young politician, who contested as a councillor for Umbwi Ward, called for a mindset change among voters.
“We ask people to trust that the youth can also be good leaders. Therefore, they should also give them a chance,” she said.
Boma also asked the organisation to continue supporting them to get more chances of winning the 2030 election.
With support from the European Union (EU), Oxf am in Ma lawi and Wolrec are implementing a project on promoting gender transformative and youth inclusive democracy in Malawi.
