Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in partnership with stakeholders have intensified efforts to establish a robust dispute resolution mechanism ahead of the September 16 2025 General Elections.
The framework aims to address electoral disputes and prevent conflicts throughout the electoral cycle.
MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja has described the Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) Framework as an important initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral processes.
Speaking in Lilongwe yesterday during a validation workshop for the EDR Framework, she said the document is key to efforts to ensure structured mechanisms for managing disputes.
Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, said: “Conflicts do arise during the electoral cycle, so we need such a framework to deal with complaints effectively.
“This is about mitigation and prevention of conflict, ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in 2025.”
The EDR Framework, developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, provides clear guidelines on resolving disputes at various stages of the electoral process.
In his remarks, UNDP Deputy Representative Challa Getachew underscored the framework’s significance, describing it as a critical tool to managing election-related challenges.
On her part, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) secretary general Linda Limbe also supported the exercise, further acknowledging the importance of early dispute resolution to avoid potential violence.
During the workshop, various stakeholders made final reviews and contributions to the EDR Framework with the aim of ensuring peaceful elections management as Malawi moves closer to the September 2025 General Elections.
