Senior Chief Kamenyagwaza of Dedza has asked Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec) and Oxfam in Malawi to organise a meeting for key electoral stakeholders to address concerns related to violence ahead of the September 16 2025 General Election.
the meeting. | Zenak Matekenya, Mana
The two organisations are implementing the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi Project to encourage women, youths and persons with disabilities to run for parliamentary and local government positions.
However, electoral violence remains a significant obstacle with some female candidates lamenting abuse, including demeaning remarks from male opponents.
In an interview on Tuesday, following a meeting with chiefs and faith leaders on promoting a violence-free election,
Kamenyagwaza emphasised that bringing together stakeholders is key to addressing the issue.
He said: “The meeting has identified party leaders, aspirants, chiefs, faith leaders, and police among potential agents of electoral violence.
“By coming together, we can better understand each other’s weaknesses and move beyond speculation. This will help us to develop a unified strategy that everyone can commit to.”
Dedza District Pastors Fraternal Association treasurer the Reverend Daniel Makumba Nkhoma said faith leaders who publicly display affiliation to political candidates or parties risk offending their followers who hold different political views.
“For us faith leaders, it is good to be neutral and keep our political affiliations private,” he said.
