By Burnett Munthali
Youth-Decide was among the key organizations that participated in the official launch of the 2025 General Elections by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
The event provided a strategic platform for Youth-Decide to amplify its advocacy for youth inclusion in democratic processes.
During the launch, Youth-Decide promoted the 2025–2030 National Youth Manifesto, a bold document that outlines the aspirations, priorities, and policy demands of Malawi’s youth.
The manifesto, developed through extensive consultations with young people across the country, seeks to influence political parties and candidates to prioritize youth-centered development in their campaign agendas and manifestos.
Youth-Decide emphasized that the youth represent the largest demographic in Malawi and therefore deserve a central role in shaping the country’s democratic future.
By showcasing the manifesto at such a high-profile event, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the voices of young people are not only heard but acted upon in the 2025 elections and beyond.
The organization also used the opportunity to engage with electoral stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, and the media, to advocate for meaningful youth participation in all stages of the electoral process.
This includes advocating for policies that improve access to education, entrepreneurship opportunities, health services, and employment for young people.
Youth-Decide’s message was clear: democracy must be inclusive, and young people are not just future leaders—they are leaders of today.
The campaign’s central message, encapsulated in the slogan “#DemocracyInYoungHands,” resonated strongly with many attendees at the launch.
As the election period officially begins, Youth-Decide’s involvement signals a growing momentum for youth-led advocacy and a demand for accountable, youth-responsive governance.
Their participation in the MEC event sets the tone for a youth-energized election season, where civic engagement and political awareness among young people will be at the forefront of national discourse.
