Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has pledged to act as a guardian of peace ahead of the September 16 General Election in the country.
MDF Commander General Paul Velentino Phiri, speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during the opening of a two-day media workshop on electoral laws and processes, said the military’s role in elections is strictly constitutional, not political and aimed at ensuring stability.
the Constitution. | Ntchindi Meki
He said the MDF cannot afford to be passive observers in the face of potential threats to the nation’s stability, adding that their involvement is always professional, neutral and guided by the rule of law.
“In moments where peace, order and national stability are at risk, such as during electoral transitions, the Malawi Defence Force steps forward not as a political actor, but as a guardian of peace and constitutional order,” said Velentino Phiri.
He also outlined plans to collaborate with the media to counter misinformation and violence, while supporting the Malawi Police Service in maintaining public order.
In her address, United Nations resident coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh urged the media to adopt peace journalism by avoiding inflammatory language and focusing on solutions apart from reporting conflicts.
She said good governance and strong democracy are key items on the development agenda.
Said Addah-Dontoh: “However, you cannot talk about good governance and durable democracy without mentioning credible electoral processes where the media is supposed to play a critical role in defining good governance and democracy in an electoral context.”
On his part, Malawi Peace and Unity Commission deputy chairperson Zacc Kawalala observed that journalists are custodians of truth and transparency and their reporting can either illuminate the democratic process or, if mismanaged, contribute to misunderstanding and conflict.
The workshop, organised by the National Defence College-Malawi, in collaboration with the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission, aims to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills required to report effectively, ethically and securely on electoral processes and elections.
