By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has strongly condemned recent acts of political violence and discrimination targeting female candidates and marginalized groups ahead of the 2025 general elections.
In a statement signed by MHRC Chairperson Chikondi Chijozi, the Commission expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of violence and harassment against women and marginalized individuals in politics.
According to the MHRC, some of the disturbing incidents include the vandalism of vehicles belonging to opposition MPs Grace Kwelepeta and Lonnie Chijere Chirwa, as well as public harassment of female Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters in January.
The Commission also highlighted online attacks, such as a Facebook post mocking a female United Transformation Movement (UTM) candidate with dwarfism.
The MHRC emphasized that these incidents are a clear violation of Malawi’s Constitution, which guarantees equal political participation for all citizens, regardless of gender or disability.
“No woman in politics and participating in the 2025 elections should suffer any form of violence,” the statement read. The Commission warned that such developments pose a serious threat to the country’s democratic values and must not be tolerated.
The MHRC’s condemnation is timely, given the upcoming general elections in September 2025.
With this in mind, the Commission stressed the importance of creating a peaceful and inclusive environment where all citizens, especially women and marginalized groups, can participate freely and without fear.
This call to action is crucial in ensuring that all Malawians can exercise their right to participate in the electoral process without intimidation or harassment.
The MHRC’s statement has been echoed by other organizations.
The need for accountability and impartial policing highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies prioritizing the safety and security of all citizens, particularly women and marginalized groups.
The MHRC’s condemnation of political violence against women and marginalized groups is a crucial step towards promoting a peaceful and inclusive electoral process in Malawi.
By holding perpetrators accountable and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, Malawi can ensure that all citizens can participate freely and without fear in the upcoming general elections.
