His Majesty King Mswati III has called for peaceful and credible elections in Malawi, as citizens of the republic head to the polls today.
In his statement as incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, released on the eve of Malawi’s 2025 general elections, the King praised the country’s long-standing tradition of peace and stability.
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He expressed confidence that Malawi’s reputation as a peaceful democracy would remain intact during and after the elections.
“I call upon all Malawians who are eligible to vote to do so in large numbers, exercising their democratic right and contributing to the development and prosperity of their country,” the King said.
Malawi Heads to the Polls
Today, Malawians will elect their president, members of Parliament and councillors in line with the Constitution and electoral laws.
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17 candidates are contesting the presidency.
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1 488 candidates are vying for seats in Parliament, including over 600 independents.
The King reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering support for Malawi before, during, and after the elections through the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM). He urged political leaders and supporters to respect the will of the people and act responsibly through lawful means.
SADC Observation Mission in Malawi
Prior to the polls, His Majesty appointed Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku as Head of SEOM.
At Malawi’s invitation, SADC deployed its mission to observe the pre-election, polling day, and post-election phases. The mission is guided by the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections (2021), which promote free, fair, and transparent democratic processes.
The 80-member team includes personnel from nine SADC Member States:
Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
During the launch in Lilongwe on September 10, Masuku called on Malawians to maintain peace and highlighted lessons learned from the country’s 2019 elections.
Key Focus Areas of SEOM
Some of the things The SADC Electoral Observation Mission will assess.
1. Full participation of the citizens in the democratic and development processes;
2. Enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of association, assembly and expression;
3. Observance of the provisions of relevant legal frameworks in relation to the date or period of elections;
4. Measures to prevent corruption, bribery, favouritism, political violence, intimidation and intolerance;
5. Equal opportunity for all political parties to access the Statemedia as well as access to information by all citizens;
6. Respect for values of electoral justice such as integrity, impartiality and fairness
7. No undue restraints against the opportunity to exercise the right to vote and be voted for;
8. Independence of the Judiciary and impartiality of the electoral institutions;
9. Capacitation and empowerment of citizens through civic and voter education;
10. Acceptance of and respect for the election results by candidates and political parties as proclaimed to have been free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful, by the competent and Independent Electoral Commission in accordance with the law of the land; and
11. Provision of electoral justice through expedient settlement of electoral disputes as provided for in the law.
Regional Support
The King concluded his message by wishing Malawians a peaceful and successful election:
“May these elections strengthen Malawi’s democracy, foster national unity and chart the path for Malawi’s prosperity.”
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