By Santos Zefania

Lilongwe 8 May, Mana:  National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) has called for peaceful co-existence among Malawians, and the organization has urged all to refrain from political violence as the country is preparing for the general election slated for September 16, 2025.

NICE Programs Officer Daniel Malango’s made the call in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, saying as a democratic society, Malawi must raise the bar in order for the country to deliver credible election results.

Malango said people must understand that peaceful co-existence is one of the principles of democracy, which needs to be respected if peace and unity are to be achieved.

“For 2025 general elections to be credible, Malawians should participate peacefully; let us all exercise our democratic right responsibly. A credible election also depends on all of us playing our part with integrity,” he said, adding that people should desist from spreading misinformation.

Similarly, Director for Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Michael Kaiyatsa, hailed the existing partnership between his organization and different stakeholders, including NICE, Malawi Police Service, the District Elections Supervisory Teams, and civil society platforms, with an agenda to curb political violence.

“We recognize voter apathy as a serious challenge. That’s why our civic education includes targeted dialogues with youth, women, and marginalized communities, especially those who feel disillusioned,” explained Kaiyatsa.

He said CHRR and its partners are using relatable messages and local languages, emphasizing the power of each vote to bring about change, and that the stakeholders are also sharing success stories and practical ways in which citizens can influence governance through active participation.

“This election is not just about choosing leaders; it's about shaping Malawi’s future. We encourage voters to focus on issue-based politics, scrutinize candidates’ manifestos, and reject any form of bribery,” said Kaiyatsa in an interview.

He added: “I would also like to remind everyone that peaceful participation strengthens democracy: let us make this election a model for unity and national development.”

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) and Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) are among organizations accredited by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to conduct voter education across the country in view of the 2025 general election.