Envoy Calls for Free Malawi Media Ahead of 2025 Polls
The panel discussion was titled "Guardians of Democracy: Is Malawi Media Free and Independent to Contribute to Free and Fair Credible Elections?"
MANGOCHI, Malawi-- The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, has called for a free and independent media to contribute to credible elections in 2025, hailing the country's relatively favorable press freedom ranking in the region, writes Winston Mwale.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the World Press Freedom Day commemoration on Saturday, Ritchie said an independent media is "essential to a functioning society."
"Next year, when Malawi goes to the polls, media has a critical role to play in building public awareness of voter registration, and quizzing political aspirants on what it is that they want to do to uplift lives of ordinary Malawians," Ritchie said.
She noted that while Malawi ranks 82 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index, better than regional peers like Mozambique and Tanzania, challenges remain. Ritchie highlighted the need to address barriers to freedom of expression and violence against journalists.
"We can explore how to make sure journalists can enhance their positive role in the electoral process by verifying stories, avoiding bias and misinformation," she said.
"If we can get these things right, then we are on our way to helping Malawi hold free and fair elections next year."
Ritchie said the U.K. is supporting the 2025 elections through the UNDP elections basket fund, with part of the resources going toward media capacity building on election reporting.
She urged building on the positive aspects of Malawi's media landscape to "create effective strategies going forward and ensure media continues to be a force for good."
The panel discussion was titled "Guardians of Democracy: Is Malawi Media Free and Independent to Contribute to Free and Fair Credible Elections?"