By Rahim Abdul

The Women Lawyers Association (WLA) has expressed deep concern over the behavior of political parties and candidates who are prematurely declaring victory in the ongoing 2025 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections held on September 16.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Sunday, WLA warned that such premature announcements, which are being spread across mainstream and social media, risk undermining public trust in Malawi’s democratic processes.

According to the statement, WLA is equally alarmed by political actors who are publicly alleging electoral malpractice and accusing rival parties of rigging without presenting concrete evidence.

The association emphasized that while stakeholders have the right to question the electoral process, such concerns must be raised responsibly, using verifiable evidence and lawful channels.

“Reckless claims of rigging, particularly when made publicly without verification, erode public trust, heighten tensions and threaten national stability,” the statement read.

WLA further drew parallels to the tragic events of 2019 in Nsundwe, where politically charged allegations of electoral malpractice sparked violence, leading to women and children suffering gross sexual harassment and abuse.

The association described these incidents as a painful reminder of the real human cost that comes with irresponsible political statements during sensitive times.

The association stressed that peace is a collective responsibility and urged all political leaders, civil society organizations and Malawians at large to act with restraint.

It called on the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to be allowed to carry out its constitutional mandate without undue interference or pressure.

“Malawi’s democracy and the security of its citizens must be preserved through responsible conduct,” the statement urged, appealing to political parties to respect the rule of law and the official electoral processes.

The statement was signed by Brenda Khwale, WLA’s Publicity Secretary, and Executive Director Golda Rapozo.

As tensions rise amid unofficial election results circulating online, the WLA’s message serves as a critical reminder of the potential consequences of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric.

The association has called on the media to verify information before dissemination and encouraged the public to wait patiently for MEC’s official announcement of results.