By Sarah Phiri
Mzimba, February 13, mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s District Elections officer for Mzimba District Chrispin Chakhumbira has cautioned female political party aspirants in the district to refrain from politics of castigating other aspirants ahead of the 2025 September 16th Tripartite elections as this is against the law.
Speaking during an interface meeting with Women female aspirants organized by Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) in partnership with Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (OXFAM) Malawi and its stakeholders on Wednesday in Mzimba, Chakhumbila stressed the need to be responsible in expressing their freedom of speech as politicians.
“Some of you are about to compete in primary elections for ward councilors and member of parliament seats in your political parties, please respect your competitors to avoid tarnishing your image and breaking the law” he said.
Chakhumbila also advised each participant on the need to know their geographical boundaries to avoid reaching out to the wrong audience.
“Due to the recent constituency and ward demarcations, I urge each one of you to come to our offices to know which centers are within your ward/constituency so that you do not waste your time and resource approaching people who are outside your boundary” he also said.
He further stressed the need for each aspirant to desist from the culture of handouts “people should love you because of your commitment to the development of your area and your manifesto not because of bribing them with money, food and other things “he added.
Coordinator for the community policing branch in the Department of Victim Support Unit for Mzimba Police Station Sub Inspector Peter Chima called upon all the aspirants to report any threats, and verbal and physical attacks to their nearest police stations.
“It is our duty as police to protect people and property therefore, I urge all of you to report and seek protection from us whenever you feel your rights are being violated. Some of the ignored but recurring abuses include; insults, removal of flags and podiums, and interrupting political rallies among others.
One of the Aspirants, Kettie Nthengwa who is preparing to compete for primary elections as a councilor for Mzimba Boma ward under Perekezi constituency has expressed gratitude to WOLREC AND OXFAM for the support.
“As a first-timer contesting in politics, I am deeply thankful to these organisations for the mental and financial support they are giving us. Money is a big challenge to us women so for them to assist us with nomination fees and training to prepare us before elections is relieving and a great win to us" she said.
Country Director for OXFAM Malawi Lingalireni Mihowa, has revealed that they are working with several stakeholders to politically empower women aspirants.
“We are working with the media to produce programs and stories that will mobilize the masses to vote for women and the youth. This will help change people’s perceptions of women” she said.
Mihowa also stated one of the strategies they have used is to work with political parties to create a conducive environment in their politics for female aspirants to achieve a 50/50 campaign.
“From research we conducted, most women complained that they are isolated on important matters and face abuses that prompted us to engage the political leaders and negotiate with them to accept the women compete fairly” she said.
The project, Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy in Malawi, targets to support 64 female aspirants from Mzimba District with funding from the European Union and OXFAM.
