Malawi Media Conference to Address Election Info Access, Combat Misinformation
The conference agenda covers a wide range of topics crucial to Malawi's democracy.
LILONGWE, Malawi— As Malawi gears up for its 2025 general elections, a high-profile conference aims to strengthen the media's role in ensuring free and fair polls.
The "Media and Access to Information Conference," scheduled for Sept. 26-27, 2024, at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, will bring together journalists, government officials, and civil society leaders to address critical issues surrounding election information and media responsibility, writes Winston Mwale.
The two-day event, organized by the Media Council of Malawi and the Malawi Human Rights Commission, kicks off with a solidarity march from the Presidential Roundabout to the conference venue.
Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), will officially open the conference, underscoring the importance of media in the electoral process.
Teresa Ndanga, chairperson of the Council for Public Relations and commissioner at the Malawi Human Rights Commission, will deliver the keynote address on "Promoting Free Flow of Information towards the 2025 General Elections."
Her speech is expected to set the tone for discussions on balancing press freedom with responsible reporting.
The conference agenda covers a wide range of topics crucial to Malawi's democracy.
Andrew Mpesi, Chief Elections Officer of MEC, will speak on the principles of electoral integrity and the role of election management bodies in ensuring citizens' access to electoral information.
Charles Kajoloweka, Executive Director of Youth & Society, will address safeguarding civic space and media freedoms during the election period.
A panel discussion featuring Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Director of Communications at MEC, and Zadziko Mankhambo, Director of Broadcasting at MACRA, will explore ways to promote universal access to election-related information and foster media diversity.
The event will also tackle the growing challenge of misinformation.
Winston Mwale, Editor-in-Chief of AfricaBrief, will lead a session on combating election-related disinformation and advancing fact-checking practices.
This comes as Malawi, like many countries, grapples with the spread of false information on social media platforms.
On the second day, Golden Matonga, Chairperson of MISA Malawi, will reflect on the critical link between transparent governance and the right to access information.
Chance Kalolokesya, Head of the Access to Information Unit, will provide an update on the implementation of Malawi's Access to Information Act, highlighting successes and challenges since its enactment.
The conference will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing institutions that have excelled in implementing the Access to Information Law, showcasing Malawi's progress in government transparency.
The event underscores Malawi's commitment to press freedom and transparent governance as the nation prepares for a pivotal election year.
It also highlights the ongoing challenges media faces in an era of rapid technological change and evolving information landscapes.