By Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
LILONGWE – Election observers monitoring Malawi’s Sept. 16 general elections praised the country for conducting peaceful and largely transparent polls but urged authorities to address gaps in accessibility and voter education to strengthen democratic participation.
In their preliminary report, the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) noted that while the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) managed the process efficiently, many polling stations were not fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
The groups recommended that Malawi “ensure all polling stations are fully accessible by upgrading infrastructure, deploying trained disability support staff, and offering sign language interpretation. Booths should accommodate wheelchair users and persons of short stature.”
Observers said the MEC’s decision to register over 137,000 voters with disabilities was commendable but stressed that inclusivity should extend beyond registration to voting day.
The Mission also raised concerns over redirected and turned-away voters due to poor signage at polling centers. “The MEC should invest in clear signage to help voters locate their designated polling stations, and these measures will further reduce the number of redirected and turned away voters,” the statement said.
Voter turnout was estimated at 61 percent, reflecting moderate engagement but leaving a third of registered voters outside the process. To address this, the observers recommended continuous civic education and targeted outreach to low-turnout areas.
“Fund continuous voter registration and civic education throughout the electoral cycle to increase citizen participation in electoral processes,” the report urged.
Despite these shortcomings, the Mission applauded the peaceful atmosphere and transparency during the vote. Party monitors from the Malawi Congress Party, Democratic Progressive Party, United Democratic Front, and others were present, helping bolster credibility.
Counting was described as “largely transparent, peaceful, and professionally managed,” though some rural centers lacked adequate lighting, forcing tallying to stretch into the night.
The observers concluded that Malawi’s election “serves as a beacon for the region, reaffirming that citizen engagement is one of the essential pillars for credible elections and sustainable peace.”