Eleven of Malawi’s presidential hopefuls signed a landmark peace pledge in Lilongwe on Monday, committing to non-violence and democratic conduct ahead of the country’s general elections on 16 September.
Held at the Bingu International Conference Centre, the signing ceremony for the Peace Declaration was organised by the Public Affairs Committee, a respected multi-faith civic body known for its mediation and peacebuilding efforts.
Under the theme “In choosing a path of dialogue and mediation, violence is not an option,” the event brought together candidates from across the political spectrum for a moment of unity and symbolic reconciliation.
President Lazarus Chakwera led the proceedings, exchanging warm handshakes and cordial greetings with rivals including People’s Party’s Joyce Banda, United Democratic Front’s Atupele Muluzi and United Transformation Movement’s Dalitso Kabambe.
The event, however, was overshadowed by the conspicuous absence of a number of candidates, including former president Peter Mutharika and current vice president Michael Usi.
The Peace Declaration explicitly required the physical presence of presidential candidates — a requirement both ignored.
As a result, their parties – the Democratic Progressive Party and Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, respectively – were barred from endorsing the pact, despite attempts by proxies to sign on their behalf.
The atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the tense rhetoric and confrontations that have marked the campaign trail in recent weeks.
The Peace Declaration is part of a broader effort to ensure a peaceful electoral process in a country where past elections have been marred by violence and disputes.
Candidates who signed the pledge committed to refraining from hate speech, respecting electoral outcomes, and resolving disputes through legal channels.
Malawi’s 2025 elections are expected to be fiercely contested, with 17 presidential candidates vying for the top seat.
JN/APA