By Rahim Abdul
As Malawi anxiously awaits the official announcement of the national election results, the Road Safety Alert Foundation (ROSAF) has urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and avoid reckless behavior on the roads.
ROSAF Executive Director, Joel Jere, warned that excitement following the declaration of results often leads to a surge in road accidents, as people rush into the streets to celebrate victories or express disappointment over losses.
He stressed that regardless of whether one’s preferred candidate wins or loses, safety must remain a top priority.
“In past elections, we’ve seen many people flood the streets with motorcycles, vehicles, and even on foot, celebrating their candidate’s victory. This often results in dangerous situations that have led to serious injuries and loss of lives,” Jere said.
He appealed to Malawians to remember that while elections come and go, life is irreplaceable. Jere also issued a strong warning to motorists against drinking and driving, a habit that has been a major cause of fatal accidents during major national events.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol puts not only the driver at risk but also passengers and other road users. We urge all motorists to exercise discipline, obey traffic laws and prioritize safety,” he added.
ROSAF has called for increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local councils and community leaders to help control crowds and ensure safe celebrations once the results are announced.
The reminder comes at a critical time, as heightened political tensions and mass gatherings are expected across the country when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declares the official outcome of the 2025 general elections later today.
