Malawi at a Crossroads: A Human Rights Agenda for the 2025 Elections
Malawi stands at a pivotal moment. As the nation prepares for general elections on September 16, 2025, the future trajectory of human rights hangs in the balance.While promises of economic advancement and a higher quality of life resonate with voters,a robust commitment to fundamental freedoms and the protection of vulnerable populations is paramount. Amnesty International, drawing on years of on-the-ground experience and rigorous human rights monitoring, outlines a critical agenda for the incoming management – a roadmap to build a Malawi founded on justice, equality, and respect for all.
A First Term Marked by Unfulfilled Promises
The first term of President Lazarus Chakwera, while initially met with hope, has sadly fallen short of its human rights commitments. As Tigere Chagutah of Amnesty International observes, this shortfall is characterized by broken promises regarding economic progress and living standards, a pervasive culture of impunity, and a concerning constriction of civic space. This isn’t simply a matter of political rhetoric; it directly impacts the daily lives of Malawians and undermines the foundations of a democratic society. The upcoming elections present an chance to course-correct and prioritize a human rights-based approach to governance.
Safeguarding fundamental Freedoms: Expression, Assembly, and Access to Facts
A thriving democracy depends on the ability of citizens to freely express their opinions, peacefully assemble, and hold their government accountable. Yet, Malawi is witnessing a worrying erosion of these fundamental rights. Despite pledges to foster a “culture of robust protest” and enable civil society organizations to operate without hindrance, the reality on the ground paints a different picture.The draconian NGO Amendment Bill,enacted in May 2022,severely restricts the freedom of association for civil society organizations,creating a chilling effect on their vital work. Furthermore, the government continues to wield the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act 2016 as a tool to suppress dissent and harass journalists, effectively silencing critical voices. This is not merely a legal issue; it’s a direct assault on the principles of open dialog and democratic participation.
Access to information,a cornerstone of openness and accountability,remains frustratingly limited. While the access to Information Act was passed in 2017 and came into effect in 2020, its full operationalization has been delayed. This lack of implementation prevents citizens from accessing crucial information held by public bodies and certain private entities performing public functions, hindering their ability to participate meaningfully in public life.
“These repressive laws have without a doubt accelerated the shrinking of Malawi’s civic space,” states Chagutah. “The incoming leadership must break with the past and address this decline in the country’s human rights situation.” Amnesty International urgently calls for the full operationalization of the Access to Information Act, ensuring government transparency and accountability.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Women, LGBTI People, and Persons with Disabilities
Beyond the curtailment of fundamental freedoms, systemic discrimination and inadequate legal protections continue to plague marginalized groups in Malawi. Women, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants, and LGBTI individuals face important challenges in accessing justice, safety, and equal opportunities.
The state has demonstrably failed to adequately protect women from the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence. Gaps in the implementation of existing laws and policies leave women and girls vulnerable to domestic abuse, sexual violence, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of discrimination. A comprehensive and coordinated response, including robust law enforcement, accessible support services, and preventative education programs, is urgently needed.
The situation for LGBTI individuals is particularly dire. Malawi’s laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults are a blatant violation of human rights, perpetuating stigma, discrimination, and violence. These laws not only infringe upon the fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, and equality but also create a climate of fear and insecurity for LGBTI individuals.
As Chagutah powerfully argues, “Rather than attack marginalized groups through repressive laws and practices, the next leadership must prioritize protecting and upholding their rights, ensuring equality, dignity, and inclusion for all.” Amnesty International unequivocally calls for the immediate repeal of these discriminatory anti-LGBTI laws. (See Amnesty International’s recent report on this issue: [https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/06/malawi-decision-to-uphold-ban-on-consensual-same-sex-conduct-is-a-bitter-setback-for-human-rights/](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/