By Sheminah Nkhoma
SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has assured Malawians of transparent and credible elections by ensuring that every citizen has exercised their right to vote.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the launch of SEOM, Head of SEOM, who is also former Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, said they are looking forward to the elections that adhere to the democratic values and principles of the SADC treaty, the protocol on politics, defence and security cooperation.
He said, it is important for all registered voters to exercise their civic and political rights by going out to vote on September 16, 2025.
“We are calling out all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible manner,” said Masuku.
He further stated that in the 2019 polls, which were nullified by the court, there were many challenges, but he has assured the public that substantive introspection have been
made as gaps were identified to improve how SADC observes elections.
“Following the challenges encountered in 2019, Malawi led by example and through the appropriate judicial mechanisms rectified these challenges,” he said.
Masuku highlighted that it is essential for all stakeholders to understand that the mandate of SEOM is to determine the adherence of the Member State holding elections to the relevant provisions of the SADC principles and governing democratic elections.
In his remarks, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at SADC Secretariat Kula Ishmael Theletsane said the launch of the observer mission is the beginning of its work ahead of the general elections.
He said they are committed to ensuring the elections are held in accordance with the constitution of Malawi.
The SEOM is expected to deploy its observers in all 28 districts across Malawi.
