16/09/2025
Statement on the Conduct of the 2025 General Elections – Midday Update
2nd MEDIA BRIEFING MEDIA BRIEFING
16th September 2025 (14:00 HRS)
Lilongwe, Malawi
The Mtendere Elections Support Network (Mtendere Network) continues to observe the 2025 General Elections through its Election Situation Room (ESR), with trained observers deployed nationwide to provide real-time, verified and impartial information.
Our well trained and qualified observers are present in over 39 centres across urban and rural areas, capturing developments as they unfold and reporting directly to the Situation Room to ensure timely updates for the public, electoral stakeholders and media partners.
This is our second public update and we have so far noted that these real-time observations are made under the legal framework of Malawi’s Constitution, the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections Act, the Local Government Elections Act and the Political Parties Act, as well as international instruments including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
While procedural, technical and campaign-related challenges have been documented, prompt interventions by MEC, security agencies and polling staff have ensured that voting continues. The Network remains committed to monitoring and observing compliance with domestic and international electoral laws, documenting incidents in real time and providing impartial updates.
Upholding these frameworks is essential to protect voters’ rights and ensure that the 2025 elections reflect the true will of the Malawian people.
As Malawians continue to cast their votes today, it is important to recognise that behind every observation, challenge or technical fault lies the determination of ordinary citizens who have come out to exercise their constitutional right. Voting is not only a legal obligation but also a personal and collective act of hope for a better future.
Campaign-Related Violence and Public Disturbances
During the course of election day, our observers have reported incidents linked to campaign activities that partially disrupted the voting environment. Notable centres include Wimbe, Nazanga School, Umbwi School, Bua Centre, Kasungu North, Mwanza Secondary School Centre, Rumphi Boma, Balaka Community Centre Hall, Kapando, Army Secondary, Nkhorongo CDSS in Mzuzu City, Mponela, Dyeratu, Mock and Mponela 1 School.
Our Observers recorded some political intimidation, demonstrations near polling stations and activities that could influence voter behaviour, highlighting the continued need for vigilance and adherence to electoral regulations.
Street violence was observed in Mpingwe, in Blantyre and Karonga central, where clashes between supporters temporarily disrupted public order. Security personnel intervened promptly to restore calm, allowing voters to access polling centres safely. In addition, incidents involving security agents were reported at Livwezi, Kalonga School and Mzuzu, ranging from perceived intimidation to direct involvement in managing voter flows.
Overall, deployed security agencies have provided the expected level of service in maintaining order at polling centres.
Polling Procedural Challenges
Real-time observations have shown that several centres opened later than the legally prescribed 6:00 a.m., delaying the start of voting.
Other procedural challenges captured by observers included inefficient voter management, reported at Mpale in Dowa, Mzuzu City South East – Mzuzu CCAP Primary School, Tchawale Primary School in Kasangazi Constituency, and locations where people were selling merchandise or lingering near polling stations after voting hours. At Chimungu School, an attempt to influence a elderly people against their will was noted, underscoring the importance of protecting vulnerable citizens.
Technical Challenges with Biometric Voting Machines
Observers have also reported technical difficulties with biometric voting machines in real time, which have caused delays at centres including Machinga Likwenu DEMs, Mzuzu City North – Thandazga Centre, Chinkhoma Polling Centre, Nkhorongo CDSS Centre, and Nkhando FP School Polling Station among other centers. Machines failed to recognise fingerprints, shut down unexpectedly, or incorrectly indicated that voting had ended. In response, polling staff reverted to manual procedures to allow citizens to continue voting.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has acted promptly to resolve these issues and continues to work with stakeholders to prevent further disruptions.
In conclusion, the Mtendere Elections Support Network remains dedicated in its role to document, report, and share real-time developments so that the integrity of this process is protected. We urge all stakeholders—polling staff, security agencies, political parties, the media, and the general public—to remain calm, respectful, and committed to the values of peace and fairness.
Our observers on the ground have shown that, despite delays and disturbances, the voting process has continued. This resilience speaks to the strength of our democracy. As a nation, we must continue to uphold Malawi’s Constitution and electoral laws, as well as the international principles that protect the right to vote, so that the outcome of these elections truly reflects the will of the people.
Issued by:
Maynard Nyirenda
Mtendere Elections Support Network (Mtendere Network)
Mtendere Elections Support Network
