MCM, MISA Malawi unite to champion journalist safety and informed voting ahead of Malawi’s elections
As Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025, two of the country’s leading media watchdogs — the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) and the Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) — have issued calls to action for press freedom, journalist safety, and responsible use of artificial intelligence ahead of the country’s general elections.
In separate but complementary statements, both institutions emphasized the critical role the media must play in supporting democracy, particularly during election periods.
Under the local theme “Media for a Well-Informed Electorate”, the two bodies echoed a unified message: that a vibrant, ethical, and protected media is essential to free and fair elections in Malawi.
Jolly Ntaba, Chairperson of the Media Council of Malawi, said the day is not just a celebration but a solemn reminder of the media’s responsibility to inform citizens and hold power to account.
“Freedom of expression is not just a right enshrined in our Constitution; it is a cornerstone of societal progress and an indispensable tool for empowering citizens through information,” he said.
MCM uses the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to ethical journalism and calls on all stakeholders — including the government, civil society, and law enforcement — to create an environment in which journalists can work without fear of censorship, harassment, or retaliation.
MISA Malawi, led by Chairperson Golden Matonga, added urgency to the call by referencing past attacks on journalists.
“In the run-up to the 2019 general election and the 2020 fresh presidential election, 14 journalists were either physically attacked or threatened during election-related activities,” he said. “This must not happen again.”
MISA Malawi also expressed concern about the misuse of the 2016 Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act, which has been used to silence critical voices.
The organization warned that such legal tools, if abused, can compromise not only freedom of expression but the entire electoral process by preventing the flow of credible information.
Both MISA and MCM highlighted the rising influence of artificial intelligence in media and its potential to either strengthen or undermine press freedom.
While acknowledging AI’s opportunities for innovation, the organizations cautioned against its misuse, particularly the spread of false information that could distort electoral choices or incite unrest.
The two bodies also encouraged media practitioners to uphold the highest ethical standards and remain impartial in their coverage of political parties and candidates.
They stressed that a well-informed electorate is the foundation of democratic governance, and the media has a constitutional and civic duty to fulfill that role without bias.
In their joint spirit of advocacy, both MCM and MISA Malawi concluded their messages with a call for unity in defending press freedom.
“Together, let us pledge to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and support the vital role of the media in ensuring democracy thrives in our nation,” MCM’s statement concluded.
About The Author
