Lilongwe, Malawi, Thursday 28 August 2025: The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission have launched a Pre-Election Initiative in Malawi aimed at fostering dialogue, consensus-building and preventive diplomacy to ensure peaceful and credible elections ahead of the September 16 General Elections.
Leaders and representatives from the AU, COMESA, Malawi Government, Civil Society, the Church, Women, Youth and Children gathered at the BICC Convention Center in Lilongwe to witness the launch of this Initiative which is meant to support democracy in Malawi and the region.
Amb. Dr Mwayiwayo Polepole Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malawi described the occasion as a timely effort to ensure that the forthcoming elections are not only peaceful, credible but also inclusive and reflective of the will of the Malawian people.
He added that the Initiative is more than a regional partnership but a reaffirmation of shared determination to safeguard democracy, peace and stability in the country. Giving some background, the PS reminded the audience that since the dawn of multiparty democracy in 1994, Malawi has remained committed to peaceful and democratic elections citing the 2020 landmark court ordered elections which demonstrated the resilience and maturity of the people of Malawi.
“These milestones serve as a testament to the strength of our institutions, the resolve of our citizens to protect their democratic gains and the entrenchment of a culture of democracy in the country,” Amb. Dr Polepole said.
Chairperson of the COMESA Committee of Elders Amb. Ashraf Rashed said AU and COMESA, through their respective organs—the Panel of the Wise and the Committee of Elders—have long emphasized that elections must be peaceful, free, fair and credible in order to reflect the sovereign will of the people.
“We are here, therefore, to accompany Malawians in this process, not to prescribe or impose, but to listen, to support and to encourage dialogue among all stakeholders,”
He commended the National Dialogue for Peaceful Elections as a remarkable initiative, and commended the government’s role in fostering trust, promoting dialogue, and ensuring that differences are addressed through peaceful means adding “It is through forums such as this that societies strengthen their resilience and prevent conflict,” Amb. Ashraf said.
Other Keynote speakers included AU Head of Mediation Division Dr Akok Maduti, Chairperson of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission Bishop Mary Nkosi, AU Panel of the Wise Member Justice Effie Owuor and Paramount Chiefs among others all of whom echoed the message of the need for transparent and peaceful elections.