By Burnett Munthali
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga has commended President Lazarus Chakwera for his continued engagement with the media.
He made the remarks during a Presidential breakfast hosted by President Chakwera for journalists in Mzuzu.
Matonga noted that this is the fourth time the President has hosted such a gathering since assuming office, describing it as a strong demonstration of the administration’s willingness to engage with the press.
He used the opportunity to announce that MISA Malawi, in collaboration with its partners, will be organising Presidential Debates ahead of the highly anticipated September 16 elections.
Matonga publicly appealed to President Chakwera to take part in the debates, stressing their significance in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making among the electorate.
“No Presidential candidate who skips these debates wins an election. I therefore see no reason for you Mr. President to abstain,” Matonga stated, drawing applause and laughter from the audience.
He emphasized that the debates will offer voters a fair platform to assess the policies and commitments of those vying for the highest office in the land.
Matonga also expressed concern about recent presidential pardons, questioning why the list of pardoned prisoners has not been made public.
In the same vein, he reiterated the media’s role in demanding accountability and promoting access to information.
On his part, Secretary for Information Baldwin Chiyamwaka spoke about the significance of press freedom in a functioning democracy.
He said that press freedom is not just a human right, but a foundational element of democratic governance.
Chiyamwaka noted that the government remains committed to upholding media freedoms and supporting the media in its crucial role of informing the public.
He added that the Ministry of Information will continue to engage with media stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and collaboration.
The Presidential breakfast brought together journalists from various media outlets, government representatives, and civil society actors.
It formed part of the ongoing commemorations for World Press Freedom Day, with this year’s theme focusing on the intersection of journalism, democracy, and peace.
The event also highlighted the increasing role of media in electoral processes, particularly as Malawi moves closer to a decisive election.
MISA Malawi has said it will soon announce the dates, format, and rules of the upcoming Presidential Debates, urging all candidates to participate in the interest of national development and public trust.
