By Rick Dzida
It is widely believed that winning elections is not just an event but the outcome of a series of accumulating processes.
This is why participating political parties are frankly advised to thoroughly strategise because failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
It is against this background that strategies are subsequently suggested to Malawi opposition parties for them to effectively prepare for the 2025 elections,
Agree on Electoral Alliances Early
Opposition parties are cordially advised to formulate electoral coalitions or alliances well in advance of the elections to consolidate sufficient votes and resources.
This could involve negotiating shared platforms, candidate selection, and campaign strategies to present a united front against the ruling party, Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Report Electoral Fraud with One Voice
It is of paramount importance to establish a unified mechanism for reporting electoral fraud to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and Malawi Police Service (MPS).
This could involve creating a joint task force or committee that monitors elections and gathers evidence of any irregularities, ensuring that all parties are on the same page and can present a strong case.
Report Political Violence to Police
With the rampant political violence rupturing in the country, it is advisable to develop a coordinated approach to document and report incidents of political violence.
This could include training party members on how to safely report incidents and work with human rights organizations to ensure that electoral fraud incidents are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Ensure Representation of All Political Parties
It is a must to advocate for the inclusion of all political parties in electoral processes, such as voter registration, candidate nominations, and monitoring of elections.
This could involve lobbying for reforms that ensure fair representation and participation in all electoral activities.
Civic Education for the Electorate
To inform voters about their rights, the electoral process, and the importance of participation, it is highly recommended that comprehensive civic education campaigns be launched.
Basically, such civic education campaigns may take the form of workshops, community meetings, political campaign rallies, panel discussions, and the use of social and mass media to reach a wider audience.
Joint Stakeholder Meetings
It is of paramount importance to organise regular joint stakeholder meetings comprising the Electoral Commission, opposition parties, ruling parties, and other stakeholders.
Such joint meetings could aim at discussing electoral processes, sharing concerns, and developing collaborative solutions. This could help build trust and transparency in the electoral system.
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, Malawi’s opposition parties can strengthen their position and enhance the integrity of the electoral process, ultimately working towards a more democratic and fair election in 2025.
