Project intensifies community multiparty dialogue ahead of September elections

In a bid to empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities to actively participate in politics, the Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) in partnership with Oxfam in Malawi through the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project, conducted community multiparty dialogue meetings in all the seven implementing districts of the project.

Several issues were raised during the meetings, with some female aspirants raising concerns over continued intimidation, harassment, and cyberbullying.

In a heated debate in Nsanje, one aspirant Mphamvu Kalima rose to condemn unethical practices by some political party governors, who she accused of demanding sexual favours in exchange for support during the upcoming September 2025 elections.

Kalima, an aspiring councillor for Nyamadzera Ward under the UTM party, courageously spoke out about the challenges faced by female aspirants.

"Although many of my fellow female aspirants have chosen to remain silent, this is a widespread issue. Governors are demanding sex from female aspirants instead of offering genuine support to help them participate freely in politics. This has forced many women into withdrawing from the political arena," Kalima revealed.

Senior Chief Ndamera from the district strongly condemned the act, urging female aspirants to report any cases of abuse to the relevant authorities. The chief emphasized the importance of creating a safe and equitable environment for women to engage in politics without fear or exploitation.

In Machinga, Glady's Singano, a member of the District Peace and Unity Committee, added that financial demands from political party governors often restrict women from joining politics.

Maggie Kenani, from T/A Mchingudza in Machinga, bemoaned the high nomination fees set by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), calling it a significant obstacle for women aspiring to contest for various political roles.

Additionally, Kenani pointed out that many women lack sufficient information about political processes, further hindering their involvement.

"I wanted to contest for the position of councillor, but I could not proceed because I was unaware of the requirements for the position," she shared.

The meetings also addressed the prevention of politically related violence, with chiefs being encouraged to promote peaceful co-existence.

T/A Mizinga of Machinga, who is also Chairperson of the Machinga District Peace and Unity Committee, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during elections.

"We are working tirelessly to ensure that our community remains peaceful and united throughout the electoral process. Meetings with chiefs and political party governors are being conducted to ensure adherence to electoral regulations," he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, T/A Mchingudza urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than resorting to hate speech.

With funding from the European Union, similar meetings took place in Rumphi, Mzimba, Dedza, Salima and Mulanje.