By Burnett Munthali

Political party leaders in Mangochi have been called upon to uphold peace and create conducive environments for greater participation of women in the upcoming 2025 elections. This call was made during a meeting organized by the Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CCSS), where stakeholders emphasized the need for a violence-free and inclusive political process in the district.

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Olipa Mwanza, the project officer for CCSS, highlighted the significance of the newly issued electoral code of conduct by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). The code, which addresses key issues such as violence, handouts, and hate speech, is designed to ensure free and fair elections across the country. Mwanza stressed the importance of political leaders adhering to this code and fostering an environment where women feel safe and supported to participate in the electoral process.

“Peace is a cornerstone of democratic elections, and it is crucial that political leaders champion this peace, not only for the benefit of women candidates but for all citizens,” Mwanza said. She further encouraged party leaders to actively promote women’s involvement in politics, particularly in running for elected positions, as part of efforts to strengthen democracy and gender equality.

Clyton Chindamba, deputy district secretary of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), echoed Mwanza’s sentiments, pledging his party’s commitment to maintaining peace during the elections. He noted that fostering a culture of peace and preventing intimidation is vital for ensuring that all participants, especially women, feel secure in engaging with the political process.

The meeting, held in collaboration with Oxfam in Malawi and with financial support from the Embassy of Iceland, aimed to mobilize political stakeholders to prioritize peaceful campaigns in Mangochi. Attendees discussed strategies to combat electoral violence and ensure that women, who are often underrepresented in political spheres, have the opportunity to engage fully in the elections.

With the 2025 general elections approaching, the call for peaceful and inclusive politics is growing louder, and initiatives such as these are seen as key steps toward building a more equitable political landscape in Malawi.

The participation of women in politics has long been a challenge in the country, with many facing barriers such as violence and discrimination. By addressing these issues early and promoting peace, Mangochi’s political leaders are being called to pave the way for more women to stand for office and contribute to the country’s democratic progress.