Democracy Group Trains Youth for Peaceful 2025 Malawi Elections
The initiative, which is funded by the United Nations Development Programme, is part of CMD's broader aim to promote issue-focused politics throughout Malawi’s districts.
LIKOMA ISLAND, Malawi — The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) has launched a peace-building initiative this week, aimed at youth and political leaders in advance of Malawi’s 2025 elections, writes Mercy Phiri.
The one-day training session took place at the same time as the second phase of voter registration on Likoma Island and concentrated on encouraging dialogue and peaceful involvement in the election process.
"We are working with six political parties represented in Parliament to promote dialogue and cooperation among political leaders and youth to ensure peaceful and issue-based politics," said CMD Executive Director Bornface Chibwana.
The parties taking part in the initiative are the Malawi Congress Party, Democratic Progressive Party, UTM, United Democratic Front, Alliance for Democracy, and People's Party.
Hawa Phiri, a youth representative from the Alliance for Democracy, stressed the role young people play in keeping the peace.
"We, the youth, will not allow ourselves to be used negatively during campaigns," Phiri said. "As leaders of today and tomorrow, we must ensure our leaders protect us and uphold democracy."
Benjamin Chande, People's Party governor for Likoma, applauded the timing of the programme.
"This training has come at the right time as the voter registration process is underway," Chande said.
"It has equipped us with the knowledge to work together as political parties."
The initiative, which is funded by the United Nations Development Programme, is part of CMD's broader aim to promote issue-focused politics throughout Malawi’s districts.