By Wezzie Gausi:
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding constitutional freedoms and supporting democratic processes during elections following a meeting with civil society organisation (CSO) leaders in Lilongwe recently.
The meeting, organised by the MDF, brought together key civil society actors under the coordination of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
The meeting was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the military and CSOs ahead of the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
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MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said the engagement offered stakeholders the platform for dialogue on how security agencies, particularly the MDF, can work hand-in-hand with civil society in promoting peaceful and credible elections.
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She said the MDF outlined its constitutional role during elections and reiterated its commitment to respecting and upholding democratic rights.
Chairperson for NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN), Maggie Kathewera Banda, who was one of the participants, welcomed the engagement and described it as a step in the right direction.
She stressed the importance of continued dialogue between civil society players and those in security agencies.
“We, as civil society, are encouraged by the MDF’s openness to engage with us. This is important because we have seen how, in the past, security lapses had led to violence and intimidation, especially against women and marginalised groups during elections,” Kathewera Banda said.
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MDF spokesperson Emmanuel Mlelemba is yet to comment on the issue.
The engagement is part of a series of initiatives by MHRC aimed at fostering dialogue and ensuring that elections in Malawi are held in a peaceful and rights-respecting environment.
