CSOs, Faith Leaders, FBOs urged to champion peace, tackle inequality ahead of September elections
The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has called on civil society organisations (CSOs), faith leaders, faith-based organisations (FBOs), and journalists to promote peace and address social inequalities as the country prepares for the September 16 General Elections.
Speaking at the close of a two-day engagement meeting held in Karonga District, EAM Project Coordinator for the Fighting Inequality Project, Lusungu Kumwenda Mangochi, emphasised the influential role these groups play in ensuring free, fair, and violence-free elections.
“These groups are influential and critical stakeholders in the promotion of peaceful and credible elections, as well as in addressing inequality among Malawians. So the meeting served as a reminder of our shared responsibility to contribute toward a peaceful electoral process”, Mangochi said.
Mangochi also urged the media to play an active role in peace advocacy and civic education to encourage voter turnout.
“The media should not only advocate for peace but also educate the public on the importance of participating in the voting process to reduce voter apathy,” she added.
Robert Silungwe, Governance Officer at Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS), described the meeting as vital, noting that it clarified the specific roles CSOs, faith leaders, and journalists can play in promoting peaceful elections.
However, he expressed concern over limited funding for civic and voter education, saying it hampers outreach efforts.
“Lack of funding negatively affects our ability to reach a wider audience with vital civic education messages, but we are committed to reallocating resources from other projects to support this critical effort,” Silungwe explained.
Karonga District Elections Officer Elias Nyirenda commended EAM for organising the meeting, highlighting the importance of engaging representatives with wide followings.
“We are grateful for this initiative. With the involvement of individuals and organisations that have large audiences, messages on peaceful campaigning and civic education are more likely to reach the masses,” Nyirenda said.
By Wakisa Myamba
