By Burnett Munthali
Malawi’s 2025 general election has come under renewed scrutiny, with a post-election assessment pointing to declining voter participation and internal divisions within political parties as major factors that weakened the electoral process.
The findings, now feeding into calls for electoral reforms under Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, suggest that the challenges went beyond the conduct of polling itself. They exposed a broader crisis of confidence involving voters, political parties and the institutions responsible for sustaining democratic participation.
Voter apathy emerged as one of the most significant concerns. Turnout declined across the country, with young people among those increasingly reluctant to participate. Political disillusionment, frustration over unfulfilled campaign promises and doubts about whether elections can bring meaningful improvements to living conditions were among the factors cited for the disengagement.
Administrative difficulties also contributed to the problem, including challenges surrounding voter registration and transfers. Such obstacles can have a disproportionate effect on first-time voters and mobile populations, potentially leaving sections of the electorate outside the political process.
However, the assessment also points to serious weaknesses within political parties themselves. Several major parties entered the election period divided by disputes over leadership, primary elections and internal disciplinary processes. In some constituencies, defeated primary candidates contested elections as independents, splitting established party support.
The consequences extended beyond electoral competition. Internal disputes weakened party structures responsible for voter mobilisation, monitoring polling stations and conducting civic education. They also created uncertainty among supporters over which candidates legitimately represented their parties.
The assessment further raises concerns about invalid votes and allegations of electoral malpractice, including voter inducements. Such developments are particularly significant in an environment where public confidence in political institutions is already under pressure.
Although the 2025 election was not defined by widespread violence, the combination of low participation and political fragmentation presents a different challenge to democratic legitimacy. An election can be peaceful while still exposing weaknesses in voter engagement, political representation and institutional trust.
The lessons from the 2025 poll therefore extend beyond the Malawi Electoral Commission. Electoral authorities may need to improve administrative systems and voter education, but political parties also face pressure to strengthen internal democracy, resolve disputes transparently and restore confidence among their supporters.
Young and first-time voters will be particularly important. Re-engaging this constituency will require civic education that addresses their concerns rather than simply encouraging them to participate at election time.
The central question for Malawi is no longer only how efficiently elections are conducted, but whether citizens continue to believe that participating in them can influence the direction of the country.
If the lessons of 2025 are not addressed, declining participation and fragmented political organisations could become recurring features of Malawi’s electoral landscape. Rebuilding trust will therefore require sustained reforms by electoral institutions, political parties and the state well before the next ballot is cast.
