COMESA in collaboration with the African Union and International IDEA have launched technical support to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and other key electoral stakeholders as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for 16 September 2025.  The deployment of the Technical Assistance Mission follows a recommendation from the joint AU-COMESA Pre-Elections Assessment Mission which was conducted in March 2025. 

The first batch of the technical assistance included the training of MEC Senior Management and other key electoral stakeholders from 16-18 June 2025 on election risk identification and protecting elections against gender-based discrimination. The two back-to-back trainings are expected to lead to enhanced capacity of commissioners and senior staff of MEC including some key electoral stakeholders. The training attracted 50 participants drawn from MEC, Judiciary, the Police, Malawi Defense Forces, civil society organizations and other relevant government departments. 

In addition to the above first batch of capacity building activities, the AU-COMESA technical assistance will also focus on the thematic areas such as BRIDGE Modular Training on Gender & Inclusion, development and adoption of a risk management framework and policy, technical training and support on adoption of Electoral Risk Management Tool and Data Collection Hub and Training of Trainers for Logistics Management. Other areas will include Quality Control & Compliance Training and Election Monitoring Strategy. 

MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja expressed appreciation to AU, COMESA and International IDEA for the timely support, adding that it would be instrumental in strengthening the capacity of MEC and other key electoral stakeholders ahead of the elections.

Speaking on behalf of AU and COMESA, the COMESA Head of Governance, Peace and Security Dr. Oita Etyang underscored the commitment of both organizations in supporting the consolidation of democracy and good governance in Member States in line with the relevant respective normative instruments.

“We expect that the joint initiative will lead to building the capacity of approximately 200 personnel who will be directly involved in the management of the 16 September general elections,” Dr Etyang said.