Four organisations — the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Gender and Justice Unit (GIU), mHub, and the Public Affairs Committee (Pac) — have teamed up to observe the 2025 general elections.
The organisations have since dubbed their coalition ‘Chisankho Watch’.
Chisankho Watch Board Chairperson Gilford Matonga said the coalition is positioned to play a crucial role in strengthening Malawi’s democracy by promoting fair and credible elections.
“Chisankho Watch aims to promote governance and sustainable election observation practices that ensure credible, transparent, and peaceful elections in Malawi,” Matonga said.
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Chisankho Watch coordinator Boniface Chibwana said the establishment of the coalition reflects a growing trend in civil society participation in electoral processes in Malawi.
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“By incorporating a multi-stakeholder approach, the coalition aims to strengthen democratic governance.
“The organisation will be working in 35 district councils, and we have 151 observers who are our key people in the districts,” Chibwana said
Executive Director for mHub, Rachel Sibande, said the coalition focuses on evidence-based, innovative and sustainable election observation, encouraging meaningful citizen participation.
“As mHub, we have been monitoring elections in many countries in eight years, and we will work hand in hand with other organisations in the coalition by helping bring evidence-based data during the 2025 elections,” Sibande said.
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Speaking during the launch, keynote speaker Henry Chingayipe said the role of the coalition is to make observations that will enable stakeholders to say whether the next government is of the people and by the people.
“Chisankho Watch has caused great expectations, especially because the ‘air is filled with particles of mistrust.’ Don’t cause frustrations; inspire confidence,” Chingaipe said.
Mec Commissioner Limbikani Kamlongera welcomed Chisankho Watch, saying it should play a crucial role in strengthening Malawi’s democracy.
“Their emphasis on collaboration and long-term sustainability highlights a forward-thinking approach to election monitoring,” Kamlongera said.
National Democratic Institute (NDI) Country Director Deborah Healy, whose organisation is providing technical expertise and assistance to the coalition, said their efforts are to bring a wider scope for learning and capacity building.
“By aligning their work with principles of transparency and accountability, Chisankho Watch aims to build public trust in electoral outcomes, a crucial factor for Malawi’s political stability,” she said.
The coalition envisions a future where elections in Malawi are credible, inclusive, and transparent, ultimately fostering a peaceful and democratic society.
It focuses on innovation, inclusivity and evidence-based observation, especially for voter education and engagement.
