By Burnett Munthali
With the 2025 General Elections fast approaching, political parties in Malawi have been challenged to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than resorting to violence or populist rhetoric. This call was made by United Democratic Front (UDF) Secretary General, Genarino Lemani, during his address at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Blantyre Press Club (BPC) at Nalipiri Eco Resort in Mulanje District.
Lemani emphasized the importance of providing the Malawian electorate with clear, sound visions that reflect the genuine aspirations of the nation. He urged political parties to move beyond negative campaigning and divisive tactics and focus on policies that will positively impact the lives of ordinary Malawians. “We need to give Malawians a reason to vote for us by presenting well-thought-out ideas and plans that are aligned with the national development agenda,” Lemani said. “It is time to elevate the political discourse to a level where the electorate can make informed decisions based on the future vision of the country.”
One of the key points raised by Lemani was the need for political leaders whose visions are in line with Malawi’s long-term development framework, Malawi 2063. He argued that choosing leaders who understand and support the country’s developmental priorities will significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. According to Lemani, focusing on the collective good, rather than individual political gain, will ensure that Malawi reaches its developmental milestones and becomes a prosperous and self-reliant nation by 2063.
Lemani also used the platform to call for an end to political violence, citing recent events where people armed with machetes were seen intimidating those who wished to participate in peaceful demonstrations in Lilongwe. He condemned these acts of aggression, calling them a direct threat to the democratic process and the rights of citizens to express their views freely. “We must not allow politicians to turn Malawi into a battleground,” Lemani stated. “Violence has no place in a democracy. Let’s focus on peaceful, issue-based campaigns.”
In his address, Lemani also challenged journalists to take up their role as watchdogs, holding politicians accountable for their actions. He urged the media to be vigilant in exposing any wrongdoing by political figures and to report on the actions that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. “Journalists must play an active role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections by exposing the truth,” he said. “The media must not shy away from denouncing evil acts done by politicians, as they are a critical tool for promoting accountability in society.”
The two-day AGM of the BPC, which was held under the theme “Media as Key Stakeholder in Free, Fair and Transparent 2025 Elections,” served as an important gathering to discuss the role of the media in ensuring the integrity of the upcoming elections. Media professionals, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders came together to share ideas and strategies on how to maintain transparency, fairness, and peaceful elections.
As Malawi heads toward the 2025 elections, the call for issue-based campaigns is more critical than ever. It is crucial that political parties avoid engaging in acts of violence or distraction and instead focus on concrete policies that will address the pressing needs of the people. By adhering to this principle and promoting transparency, Malawi can ensure that the next election is not only free and fair but also a step forward toward a more united and prosperous future.
Lemani’s remarks serve as a reminder to all political players, journalists, and citizens to prioritize the nation’s well-being over partisan interests, and to uphold the democratic principles that will guide Malawi towards a brighter future.
