By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
LILONGWE – Amid long queues, biometric hiccups, and enthusiastic voter turnout, one defining feature of Malawi’s 2025 General Elections stood out: peace.
The elections, held on September 16, were observed to be calm, orderly, and marked by political tolerance across all districts visited by the ESN-SA and ZESN observer mission.
Party monitors from rival political camps coexisted peacefully at polling stations, and voters waited patiently in line, contributing to a smooth and transparent process.
The peaceful environment was not by chance. Just days before polling, key political and civil society stakeholders signed the Lilongwe Peace Declaration, under the guidance of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC).
Observers say this document played a pivotal role in ensuring mutual respect and non-violence throughout the electoral period.
“The level of tolerance shown between party monitors was impressive,” read the preliminary report from the observer mission.
“It fostered trust in the process and set a powerful example for other elections in the region.”
Observers also commended the collaborative coordination between civil society organisations, the Malawi Electoral Commission, security services, and international bodies such as the African Union and COMESA, facilitated through the CSO-led Election Situation Room.
While not without logistical and technical challenges, Malawi’s peaceful electoral environment is being celebrated as a significant win for democratic stability in Southern Africa.
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