The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has encouraged all political parties to dedicate the campaign period to explaining their manifestos to the electorate.
During the official opening of the 2025 General Elections campaign period, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja underscored the need for campaigns that focus on real issues affecting Malawians.
She pointed out that this is a critical time for political parties to share their vision, priorities, and development strategies with the public.
According to Mtalimanja, campaigning should go beyond entertainment and slogans—it should be used as a platform for civic education and meaningful dialogue.
She urged political leaders to clearly outline how their proposed policies would tackle the country’s most pressing challenges.
These include unemployment, poor access to healthcare, gaps in the education system, and the need for sustainable economic development.
Mtalimanja stressed that voters are more likely to engage in the democratic process when they understand what each party stands for.
She added that clear, truthful, and accessible messaging is key, especially for citizens in rural areas and those with limited access to formal education.
She also called on political parties to ensure their messages are inclusive and understandable for all segments of the population.
Furthermore, Mtalimanja appealed to the media to play a constructive role in the campaign period by providing fair, accurate, and balanced coverage of party manifestos.
She encouraged media houses to help interpret and break down complex policies so that all citizens can participate meaningfully in the electoral process.
In her concluding remarks, Mtalimanja reminded all candidates and political parties that democracy belongs to the people—and the people deserve honest, informative campaigns that help them make the best decisions for the future of Malawi.
