Development partners supporting the country’s elections through the Malawi Electoral Support Project (Mesp) Basket Fund are yet to commit to calls by civil society organisations (CSOs) for increased funding.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said lack of funding is standing in the way of CSOs’ efforts to support Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in the voter and civic education exercises.
But in separate responses on Friday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Kingdom (UK) did not commit explicitly to adding more resources to the fund.
UNDP communications associate Steve M’bayeni said together with other development partners, they remain committed to supporting civic and voter education as fundamental towards promoting inclusive participation in the electoral process in Malawi
He said: “UNDP, with its development partners remains committed to strengthening Malawi’s democratic processes through the Mesp Basket Fund.”
M’bayeni said the $8.3 million (about K14.3 billion) Basket Fund project funded through development partners is supporting the electoral process, including delivering integrated civic and voter education implemented by six Malawian CSOs competitively selected and accredited by MEC.
British High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie said the UK has a long history of supporting elections, stating London has contributed £2 million (about K4.3 billion) to Mesp.
“We are committed to strengthening the capacity and preparedness of Malawi’s institutions and civil society to deliver a credible and peaceful election this year; including support for civic and voter education,” she said.
UNDP has been supporting the current electoral process through Mesp which runs from 2022 to 2025.
The aim of the project is to support all eligible citizens in Malawi to exercise their voting rights and fully participate in the electoral process through technical support, capacity building, awareness raising and empowerment.
Mesp funding falls within strengthening the capacities and preparedness of MEC, and CSOs to scale up the civic and voter education with emphasis on women, people with disabilities and youth participation.
