By Burnett Munthali
Youth and Society (YAS) has revealed that at least 400 young people in Malawi have shown interest in contesting for positions of Members of Parliament and ward councillors in the 2025 general elections. This announcement was made by YAS Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka during an Inclusive Democracy Academy training session in Dowa, where 60 aspiring candidates are currently receiving guidance on navigating Malawi’s political landscape.
Kajoloweka highlighted that the training was designed to equip young candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to overcome obstacles that might hinder their success in both primary and general elections. “Our goal is to prepare them to effectively tackle the challenges they may face, from limited resources to social biases, so that they can confidently participate in the political process,” Kajoloweka explained.
Among the trainees is Asiph Yasin, a candidate for Chipoka Urban in Salima, who urged other young people to engage in politics as a way to contribute to achieving the Malawi2063 vision. “Youth involvement in leadership is crucial if we are to realize our aspirations for a prosperous Malawi by 2063,” Yasin said.
With this strong interest from youth, YAS believes the 2025 elections could see a significant increase in young leaders, bringing new perspectives to Malawi’s political arena.
