Trainers Empowered to Combat Poll Violence
The initiative aims to proactively safeguard peace and security during the election campaign period by training grassroots leaders to prevent and mitigate political violence.
MZUZU, Malawi— The Center for Human Rights Rehabilitation (CHRR) has conducted specialized training for trainers to prevent and address political violence ahead of Malawi's 2025 general elections, writes Tionge Hara.
The training held in Mzuzu focused on educating participants about the dangers of conflicts during election campaigns and equipping them with skills in conflict transformation and peacebuilding.
"We emphasized the dangers of conflicts during campaigns and advised trainers to educate others about conflict transformation and peacebuilding come 2025," said Maxwell Mvula, CHRR programs officer.
Mavuto Kaunda, district coordinator for Nkhatabay, stressed the need for more awareness on amended electoral laws, which he said most people are unaware of.
The training targeted district coordinators from Nkhatabay, Karonga and Rumphi districts.
CHRR received K100 million funding from the United Nations Development Programme, through the Malawi Electoral Support Project, to implement a project enhancing public participation in the 2025 polls.
The initiative aims to proactively safeguard peace and security during the election campaign period by training grassroots leaders to prevent and mitigate political violence.
"Ensuring peaceful elections requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders," Mvula said.
"We're equipping trainers with skills to educate communities on resolving conflicts non-violently."