Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders across the country to remain neutral throughout the 2025 campaign period.
Speaking during the official launch of the campaign period for the upcoming General Elections, Mtalimanja emphasised that chiefs must not take sides with any political party.
She stressed that their role is to serve all people in their communities, regardless of political affiliation, and not to promote personal political preferences.
According to Mtalimanja, chiefs have a responsibility to attend political rallies of all parties without discrimination, as a way of demonstrating fairness and promoting unity in their areas.
She made it clear that no chief has the legal authority to stop any political party from holding a campaign rally in their locality.
Mtalimanja warned that any attempts by traditional leaders to block or frustrate the campaign efforts of any candidate or party will be considered undemocratic and unlawful.
She reminded chiefs that Malawi’s democracy thrives on equal access to voters, and no party should be denied a platform based on local leadership bias.
The MEC Chair further stated that traditional leaders are custodians of peace and should help create an environment where all political players feel safe and welcome.
She called on chiefs to foster tolerance and to discourage any acts of intimidation or political exclusion within their jurisdictions.
Mtalimanja emphasised that the role of chiefs during the campaign period is to guide, unite, and protect the rights of all people to participate in the political process.
Her message is a direct appeal to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the 2025 elections are conducted in a free, fair, and inclusive atmosphere.
As the campaign period unfolds, the MEC will be watching closely to ensure that traditional authorities do not become tools of political suppression.
Mtalimanja concluded by calling on all stakeholders—including political parties, community members, and law enforcement—to report any cases where chiefs abuse their authority for political gain.
