By Patience Longwe
Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday launched the African Union (AU) – Common Market for eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Initiative for Peaceful Elections in Malawi, urging regional partners to foster unity, dialogue and tolerance as the nation prepares for the September 16 polls.
The launch, held at Bingu Wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, comes at a critical moment as Malawi prepares for its next electoral cycle.
The initiative is designed to reinforce the country’s commitment to democracy, peace and stability, while strengthening partnerships with regional organisations.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mwayiwawo Polepole said the initiative represents more than a regional alliance, describing it as a reaffirmation of Malawi’s shared determination with AU and COMESA to safeguard democratic governance and protect national stability.
“This initiative comes at a critical moment as Malawi prepares for the next electoral cycle. It represents more than a regional partnership; it is a reaffirmation of our shared determination to safeguard democracy, peace and stability,” Polepole said.
Polepole recalled Malawi’s democratic journey since the dawn of multiparty politics in 1994, observing that citizens have consistently demonstrated resilience and maturity, including during the landmark 2020 court-sanctioned fresh presidential elections which underscored the rule of law and institutional strength.
“Our people have time and again demonstrated maturity, including during the 2020 elections, when Malawians stood together to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of our democracy,” said Polepole.
The AU-COMESA initiative, according to Polepole, builds on this proud legacy by providing timely support to ensure the forthcoming elections were peaceful, credible, inclusive and reflective of the will of the people, while allowing government to work closely with Malawi Electoral Commission, the Peace and Unity Commission, civil society and political parties.
Chairperson of the COMESA Committee of Elders, Ambassador Mohamed Ashraf Rashed, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to supporting Malawi in holding peaceful and credible elections on September 16.
“Elections are not only an exercise of political choice, but should also represent reaffirmation of national unity, democratic governance and the will of the people,” Rashed said.
Rashed, therefore, commended the National Dialogue for Peaceful Elections for fostering trust and dialogue among political players, saying such forums are vital for resilience and conflict prevention as the nation heads towards the polls.
“We call upon all candidates and parties to demonstrate leadership by upholding peace throughout the campaign period, during the vote and after results are announced. Let political competition be conducted with respect, tolerance and a spirit of unity,” he urged.
In his remarks, Ambassador Akok Madut, Head of the Mediation and Dialogue Division at the AU Commission, said the programme reflects Malawi’s commitment to inclusive engagement ahead of the September 16 polls.
“Durable credibility rests on trust—trust in institutions, in clear rules and among citizens. That trust grows when institutions are transparent and consistent and when differences are addressed through dialogue,” Madut emphasized.
The AU and COMESA pledged continued solidarity with Malawians throughout the electoral cycle, urging political leaders, institutions and citizens alike to safeguard peace, unity and democratic progress.
