By Andrew Mwanandiye Tembo
Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) has organized a three days capacity-building training program in Elections Dispute Resolution (EDR) Mediation for members of the District Peace and Unity Committees (DPUCs) from Blantyre City, Blantyre District, and Mulanje District.
According to Mr. Simon Munde, Commissioner of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission, “This training is exceptionally timely, from 6 to 8 August taking place at Cross roads Hotel in Blantyre, as we draw closer to the September 2025 elections. While Malawi boasts a strong record of peaceful transitions, we must never take peace for granted.”
The training, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to enhance the capacity of DPUCs in electoral mediation, particularly in identified electoral violence hotspots.
Over the course of three days, participants will strengthen their skills in preventing and resolving electoral disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods, deepen their understanding of the EDR framework, and clarify their mandate as DPUCs.
“As DPUC members, you are called to embody values of neutrality, trustworthiness, respect, patience, and humility,” emphasized Mr. Munde.
He further said ,”These values are the ethical bedrock upon which successful community mediation is built.”
He also added that the training is part of a national program aimed at promoting peaceful and credible elections in 2025. The MPUC acknowledges the critical assistance rendered by UNDP towards strengthening Malawi’s National Peace Architecture.
In her remarks Senior Chief ,Chikumbu of Mulanje district who was in attendance applauded MPUC and UNDP for the training citing that will assist them lessen challenges they they have been facing in this regards in their area.
