By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
LILONGWE – Malawi’s 2025 General Elections have been praised for notable steps toward inclusive and accessible electoral participation, according to a joint preliminary statement by the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN).
Observers from Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, deployed under a Joint Learning Mission, cited several commendable practices by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that promoted inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The MEC’s decision to reduce nomination fees for marginalized groups by 50% was lauded as a progressive measure aimed at removing financial barriers to political participation.
Voter registration figures also reflected a gender-positive trend, with women comprising 57% of the registered electorate.
Polling stations prioritized the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities. Tactile jackets and sign language interpreters were deployed at key national electoral events, ensuring that visually and hearing-impaired voters were not left behind.
“This election has shown that inclusivity is not an afterthought—it is being institutionalized,” said the Mission’s statement.
However, observers also called for structural reforms such as legislated gender quotas and greater affirmative support for marginalized candidates.
The inclusive strategies and accessibility innovations adopted during this election are now being held up as a model for other countries in the region to emulate.
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