Malawi’s Future “depends on choices we make today”: Catholic Commission Officials Urge Electorate to Vote “with courage"

Blantyre, 15 September, 2025 / 11:23 PM

Officials of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in Malawi are appealing to the electorate to participate in the country’s general elections as the future of the Southern African nation “depends on the choices” made during the Tuesday, September 16 polls.

In a statement that the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) published on Facebook on September 13, CCJP officials emphasize that voting is not only a democratic right but also a God-given responsibility. 

“The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), under the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (MCCB), calls upon all Malawians to faithfully exercise their duty before God by voting with courage,” the two-page statement that CCJP Coordinators from Malawi’s eight Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdictions signed alongside the National Coordinator reads in part.

The CCJP officials continue, “As our Bishops reminded us in their Pastoral Letter, “Who Will Remove the Stone?”, the future of Malawi depends on the choices we make today.” 

“Failure to participate in voting is effectively surrendering our power and voice to influence change in the country,” they warn, and go on to urge the electorate to vote “with a well-formed conscience and wisdom in the upcoming elections.” 

The officials further appeal, “All registered voters should turn out in large numbers on polling day. Go early, vote peacefully, and without fear.”

“Do not be discouraged or silenced by anger or intimidation—your voice will only be heard if you cast your vote,” the CCJP officials say, adding that the Southern Africa nation “stands at a crossroads” and that its “economy, governance, and peace” largely depends on the outcome of the September 16 polls.

For them, “it is the duty of every citizen to take part in electing good leaders.”

They highlight the relevance of political agenda contained in political parties’ manifestos and urge the electorate to pay attention to them.

“Check if they (manifestos) contain real, practical, and truthful policies that address the needs of people and help free our country from the chains of poverty,” Malawi’s CCJP officials say.

They urge Malawi’s eligible voters to “choose leaders of integrity, courage, and vision” and caution against voting based on ethnicity or region, a practice they say undermines “electoral credibility and destroys national unity.”

Some 7.2 million eligible voters are expected to take part in the September 16 polls to elect their President, Members of Parliament (MPs) and local councillors across 35 local governments.

The Presidential poll has attracted 17 candidates, including the incumbent seeking re-election, President Lazarus Chakwera of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and two former Heads of State, Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Dr. Joyce Banda vying on the People's Party (PP).

The predominantly Christian nation (about 80%) has deepening economic challenges and is one of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

In the two-page statement, CCJP officials condemn vote-buying and discourage eligible voters from being swayed by gifts, money, or short-term benefits. “Such things are temporary. What matters most is electing quality leadership for our nation,” they say.

They emphasize the need for a peaceful atmosphere during the electioneering period and demand the assurance by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that all systems will be in place “to deliver free, fair, and credible polls.”

“Citizens, political parties, and leaders must refrain from inciting violence, insults, and hate speech. Let us approach this election as an opportunity to choose leaders who will serve with justice, humility, and dedication to the common good of every citizen,” Malawi’s CCJP officials say in their September 14 statement ahead of the September 16 polls.