The country’s electoral body, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has declared that it will implement the 50 percent discount on nomination fees for female aspirants for the 2025 Tripartite Elections to allow more women to participate in politics and be able to take part in the development of the nation.
MEC chairperson and High Court Judge, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja made the remarks after a meeting with Oxfam in Malawi and other electoral stakeholders, which took place on Friday in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.
Said Justice Mtalimanja: “We are still working on the nomination fees and an announcement will be made in November, but we are going to give women a 50 percent discount as usual.”
The meeting was organised by Oxfam in Malawi, which is implementing a project aimed at promoting gender transformative and youth inclusive democracy.
Oxfam country director Lingalireni Mihowa stated women face many challenges, including access to financial resources for their participation in political positions.
Mihowa said the Oxfam in Malawi is determined to increase the percentage of women in Parliament from the current 22 percent to at least 30 percent, although the main target is to reach 50 percent.
“We have the 50:50 Campaign, meaning that we are aiming to achieve 50 percent women representation in elected positions but for a start if we can achieve 30 percent that will be a positive direction,” said Mihowa.
Malawi will hold tripartite elections on September 16 next year, where citizens are expected to elect a republican president, Members of Parliament and local government councillors.
In July this year, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) unveiled the official theme for the 2025 General Elections and provided updates on the commencement of fresh voter registration.
Justice Annabel Mtalimanja presented the theme of 2025 general elections as “Promoting Democratic Leadership Through Your Vote.”
She said the theme emphasized the vital role of voting in a democracy, underscoring it as both a right and a civic duty.
“By voting, Malawians have the power to shape their country’s leadership and governance, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their preferences are represented.
“The theme serves as a call to action for all eligible voters to participate in the upcoming General Election,” said Justice Mtalimanja.
The MEC officially launched the 2025 General Election on 2nd August 2024 in Lilongwe where various stakeholders, including registered political parties, Civil Society Organisations, traditional and faith leaders, academia, media, government departments, and agencies were invited.
The demonstration exercise aims to showcase the efficiency and usability of the EMDs and acquaint stakeholders on how the gadgets will be used.
Additionally, the Commission has planned for pilot voter registration which will be conducted in selected sites in all the three regions of the country to test the registration devices and gather feedback before the official voter registration begins.
MEC announced that after a thorough process the Commission has accredited a total of 116 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to conduct voter education for the 2025 General Election.
“We are aiming to achieve 50% women representation in elected positions.”
Lingalireni Mihowa
Oxfam in Malawi country director
