By Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, 13 June, Mana: The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) has joined forces with several political parties to sign a commitment aimed at ensuring non-violence and inclusion of persons with albinism in all electoral processes, political programs and structures, as the country prepares for the upcoming elections on September 16, 2025.
The signing ceremony, was held in Lilongwe on Friday as part of the 2025 International Albinism Awareness Day under the theme: United for Peace and Inclusion – Strengthening the Protection of Persons with Albinism at all times, including during elections.
Speaking on behalf of persons with albinism, APAM president, Young Muhamba, said the event marks a very significant step towards recognizing the rights of persons with albinism not just as voters but as equal citizens, with the right to participate, lead and be heard.
“As APAM, we strongly believe that political inclusion is a very essential part of dismantling the discrimination and marginalization that persons with albinism continue to face in the country,” he said.
Muhamba urged political parties that the electoral processes must reflect values of equality, dignity and safety for everyone, regardless of skin color, disability or social background.
UDF Secretary General, Genarino Lemani emphasized that parties are committed to increasing representation by considering persons with albinism for influential positions within political organizations and government structures.
“So as parties, we’ve come up with policies that promote free candidacy for people with albinism, where they don’t need to pay any nomination fees to contest, in some parties the nomination fee has been reduced to show that as political parties, we are committed and we want to support persons with albinism into leadership roles in the country,” he said.
The event was attended by representatives from major political parties including the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM, United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP), and Alliance for Democracy (Aford). Party representatives shared their strategies for promoting peace and eliminating violence during the electoral process.
