Candidates Face Thyolo Residents in Debates Promoting Unity, Development and Inclusion

As Malawi approaches the September 16 General Elections, informed communities are better positioned to make wise political decisions.

In Thyolo, Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO), with funding from the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) through UN Women, is implementing a two-year project, Progressive Peace Building and Conflict Prevention among Women and Girls in Rural Communities of Thyolo (2024–2026).

The initiative, rolled out in Traditional Authorities Bvumbwe, Changata, Nchiramwela, Maggie and Maganiza, aims to promote peace, prevent gender-based violence (GBV), and strengthen women’s and girls’ leadership through advocacy and mediation.

To foster informed voting, CCDO partnered with Thyolo NICE Trust to host political debates in all nine constituencies: Mikolongwe, Bvumbwe-Masenjere, Goliyati, Khonjeni- Mangunda, Masambanjati, Thekerani, Thava, Thyolo Central and Luchenza Municipality.

The debates engaged 34 aspiring MPs (27 men and 7 women) out of a total of 65 candidates and drew 8,320 residents—4,896 females and 3,424 males— who gained awareness on peaceful elections and the importance of women’s leadership in politics.

“These platforms were created to amplify advocacy messages on ending political violence and promoting inclusive leadership. More importantly, they gave candidates the opportunity to share their development visions.

Let us not be swayed by handouts like party regalia. Elections should unite us, not divide us,” said CCDO Executive Director Dalitso Chiwayula.

In Thyolo Masambanjati, a female aspirant pledged:

“My main agenda is to improve road infrastructure so that businesses can thrive. I also intend to provide business capital to women and youths who are struggling.”

A male candidate from the same constituency promised to tackle unemployment:

“I will lobby for the introduction of technical education starting from primary school level to equip our young people with practical skills.”

Residents also held candidates accountable on governance issues. Janet Luka from Thyolo Thava constituency asked how they would ensure proper use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

A female candidate responded:

“I will not dictate the use of the CDF. It will be left in the hands of councillors, Village Development Committees and the council to make decisions.”

Another male candidate added:

“As an MP, my responsibility will be to deliberate laws in Parliament. I will not interfere with the utilization of the CDF.”

Inclusivity for marginalized groups was another key focus. In Bvumbwe- Masenjere, Jonathan Phiri, a youth participant, asked how women, youth and persons with disabilities would benefit from candidates’ agendas.

A male candidate assured:

“I will ensure equal consideration for people with physical disabilities, promote transparency and guarantee that no one is left behind.”

Meanwhile, a female candidate pledged economic empowerment initiatives:

“I recognize the struggles women, youths and persons with disabilities face. I will introduce targeted programs to empower these groups.”

Traditional leaders encouraged thoughtful voting. At Khonjeni-Mangunda constituency, Traditional Authority Kachipi urged:

“Having heard what these candidates are offering, it is up to you to vote for those who will truly transform this constituency.”

Moses Kaunda, Thyolo district Programs Officer for NICE Trust, reminded the youth:

“Say no to political violence. It is an offence, as clearly stated in the Electoral Code of Conduct by the Malawi Electoral Commission.”

Highlighting progress in gender representation, Thyolo district Principal Gender and Development Officer Gerald Zgambo said:

“This year we have 25 female aspirants contesting as MPs and councillors—up from just one MP and one councillor in the last term. Women are stepping forward in leadership and these debates provide a safe space to engage voters and present their vision.”