Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Launched – Capital Radio Malawi
13 February, 2025

Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Launched

Officials posing for a photo after the launch

Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have joined forces to form the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSIEF) to empower organizations to champion free, fair, and credible elections, with only 230 days remaining until the September general elections.

The forum comprises groups such as the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).

Speaking during the launch in Lilongwe, the interim chairperson of the forum, Benedicto Kondowe, outlined the main objectives of the initiative: promoting transparency and accountability, countering misinformation, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

He emphasized that the forum would enhance election integrity by providing a platform for CSOs and other stakeholders to contribute effectively, voice concerns constructively, and engage meaningfully.

“The only way to address perceptions is to facilitate dialogue among various stakeholders to share information and engage meaningfully. This apolitical and neutral forum, whose members are bound by a code of conduct, will avoid partisanship,” said Kondowe.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimaja, who was the guest of honor at the event, praised the formation of the forum, describing it as significant for promoting peaceful and credible elections.

She noted that despite differences within the civic space, CSOs play a critical role in ensuring free and fair elections by providing the electorate with accurate information.

“The call to CSOs under this forum is to ensure that all activities foster public trust and confidence in the Malawi Electoral Commission, especially as we approach the 16th September elections,” said Mtalimaja.

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