Malawi Elections: A Crucial Opportunity to Address and End Human Rights Violations

Lilongwe, Malawi – As Malawi prepares for its general elections on September 16, 2025, a coalition of Human Rights organizations is calling on all presidential and parliamentary contenders to make the protection and promotion of Human Rights a central tenet of their campaigns. The call came amid concerns about unfulfilled pledges from the existing government, and the need for important legal and policy reforms.

Critical Human Rights Priorities Highlighted

A recently published report details eight key Human Rights areas requiring immediate attention.These include guaranteeing the right to adequate food, strengthening protections for women, ensuring freedom of expression, securing the rights of individuals with disabilities, and protecting marginalized communities.

Tigere Chagutah, Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, stressed the urgency of legal reform. “As a fundamental first step,the next government must meticulously review and amend laws that currently restrict fundamental freedoms such as expression,peaceful assembly,and association,to genuinely ensure the realization of Human Rights,” Chagutah stated.

Broken Promises and a Shrinking Civic space

Critics point to President Lazarus chakwera’s first term as falling short of its commitments to address systemic issues.Promises to “clear the rubble of impunity,” enact the Access to Details Act, and promote governmental transparency and accountability have largely gone unfulfilled. Recent data from the Freedom House demonstrates a concerning trend of declining civic freedoms in Malawi, with scores indicating increasing limitations on political rights and civil liberties.

“President Chakwera‘s initial term has been marked by unmet expectations concerning the economy, living standards, issues of impunity, and a narrowing space for civic engagement,” Chagutah explained.

Key Areas for Immediate Action

Beyond fundamental freedoms,advocates are urging the incoming administration to focus on several critical areas. These include abolishing the death penalty, fully operationalizing the Access to Information Act, improving protections for refugees and migrants, and safeguarding the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) community. Access to complete sexual and reproductive health services is also a priority.

The upcoming electoral period necessitates a secure and enabling environment for Civil Society Organizations and actors, allowing them to operate freely and citizens to exercise their rights to expression, association, and peaceful assembly without fear of reprisal.

Protecting Freedom of Expression and Assembly

Despite previous assurances of fostering a culture of open protest and supporting Civil Society, the government enacted the NGO amendment bill in May 2022, which restricts the operational freedom of these organizations. Furthermore, the Electronic Transactions and cybersecurity Act 2016 remains a tool for suppressing dissent and intimidating journalists.

Despite the passage of the Access to Information Act in 2017 and its commencement in 2020, practical access to information remains challenging.

“These restrictive laws have undeniably contributed to a shrinking civic space in Malawi. The next leadership must decisively rectify this situation and reverse the decline in Human Rights,” Chagutah asserted.

Safeguarding Vulnerable populations

Existing legislation inadequately protects women, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants, and LGBTI individuals. Current gaps in law implementation continue to leave women and girls exposed to domestic abuse, sexual violence, and harmful practices. Amnesty International advocates for the repeal of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct, citing a June 2024 ruling upholding the ban as a setback for Human Rights.

“Instead of targeting marginalized groups with repressive measures, the next leadership must prioritize their protection, upholding their rights, and ensuring equality, dignity, and inclusion for all,” Chagutah emphasized.

Area of Concern	Current Status	Proposed Action
Freedom of Expression	Restricted by laws and practices.	Review and reform restrictive legislation.
Women’s Rights	Inadequate legal protections.	Strengthen laws and enforcement.
LGBTI Rights	Criminalization of same-sex conduct.	Repeal discriminatory laws.
Access to Information	Limited despite legislation.	Fully operationalize the Access to Information Act.

Did You Know? Malawi’s constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, but their practical implementation faces significant hurdles due to legislative and institutional weaknesses.

pro Tip: Stay informed about Human Rights issues in Malawi by following organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Frequently Asked Questions about Human Rights in Malawi:

• What is the biggest Human Rights concern in Malawi right now? The shrinking civic space and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly are major concerns, along with inadequate protections for vulnerable populations.
• what is the Access to Information act’s impact in Malawi? despite being enacted, its full operationalization is lacking, hindering access to government information.
• What is Amnesty International urging malawi’s candidates to do? Amnesty International is urging candidates to prioritize Human rights reforms,including legal changes and improved protections for marginalized groups.
• Are there specific laws Amnesty International wants repealed? Yes, Amnesty International calls for the repeal of laws criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct.
• What are the eight key human rights priorities for the incoming president? These include the right to food, women’s rights, freedom of association and expression, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

As Malawi heads towards elections, the focus on Human Rights is more critical than ever. Will candidates heed these calls and prioritize the fundamental rights of all citizens? What steps can Malawians take to hold their leaders accountable?

share your thoughts in the comments below and spread awareness about these critically important issues!

How can addressing impunity for past human rights violations in Malawi contribute to a more credible and peaceful 2025 election?

Teh Past Context of Human Rights in Malawi

Malawi’s history is marked by periods of notable human rights challenges. From the authoritarian rule of Hastings Banda, characterized by political repression and limitations on freedoms of speech and assembly, to more recent concerns regarding police brutality and restrictions on civil society, a pattern of violations has persisted. Understanding this historical context is crucial when evaluating the potential impact of the upcoming elections on human rights in Malawi. Key issues include:

Political Repression: Historically, dissent was often met with harsh consequences.

Freedom of Expression: Restrictions on media and public discourse have been a recurring problem.

Rule of law: Weaknesses in the judicial system have contributed to impunity for perpetrators of abuses.

Key Human Rights Concerns ahead of the 2025 Elections

Several critical human rights issues demand immediate attention as Malawi prepares for it’s elections.these concerns, if unaddressed, threaten the integrity of the electoral process and the well-being of citizens. focus areas for election monitoring Malawi include:

Police Brutality & Excessive Force: Reports of police brutality, particularly during protests and political gatherings, remain a serious concern. Independent investigations and accountability mechanisms are vital.

Freedom of Assembly & Association: Restrictions on peaceful protests and the activities of civil society organizations hinder democratic participation. The right to assemble and associate freely is enshrined in the Malawian constitution and international law.

Political Violence & Intimidation: Instances of politically motivated violence and intimidation, frequently enough targeting opposition supporters, undermine the fairness of the elections.Electoral violence Malawi is a significant threat.

discrimination & Marginalization: Vulnerable groups, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, face systemic discrimination and marginalization, impacting their ability to participate fully in the political process.

Access to Justice: Limited access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities, perpetuates impunity and hinders redress for human rights violations.

the Role of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. However, its independence and impartiality have been questioned in the past. Strengthening the MEC’s capacity and ensuring its independence from political interference are essential for safeguarding Malawi election integrity. Specific areas for betterment include:

1. Clarity: Increased transparency in all electoral processes, including voter registration, ballot handling, and vote counting.
2. Accountability: Establishing clear accountability mechanisms for electoral officials.
3. Inclusivity: Ensuring the participation of all eligible voters, including those in remote areas and marginalized communities.
4. Dispute Resolution: Strengthening the dispute resolution mechanisms to address electoral grievances effectively and impartially.

The Importance of Civil society & International Observation

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and international election observers are crucial for promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful elections in Malawi. malawi civil society plays a vital role in:

Voter Education: Educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities as voters.

Election Monitoring: Monitoring the electoral process to identify and report irregularities.

Advocacy: Advocating for reforms to strengthen the electoral system and protect human rights.

International observers provide an independent assessment of the elections and can offer recommendations for improvement. Their presence can deter intimidation and violence and enhance public confidence in the electoral process. The effectiveness of international election observers Malawi relies on unrestricted access and the ability to report findings without fear of reprisal.

addressing Impunity for Past Human Rights Violations

A critical step towards ending human rights violations in Malawi is addressing impunity for past abuses. This requires:

Independent Investigations: Conducting thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of human rights violations.

Prosecutions: Prosecuting perpetrators of abuses, regardless of their political affiliation or position.

Victim Support: Providing adequate support and reparations to victims of human rights violations.

Truth and Reconciliation: Considering mechanisms for truth and reconciliation to address past injustices and promote healing.

The Potential for Positive Change: A Window of Opportunity

The 2025 elections present a crucial opportunity to address and end human rights violations in Malawi. A commitment from all stakeholders – the government, the MEC, political parties, civil society, and international partners – to uphold human rights principles is essential. Key areas for focus include:

Strengthening the Rule of Law: Investing in the independence and capacity of the judiciary