On 10th July 2025, the Institute for Policy Interaction held a Town Hall Meeting at the Blantyre Teachers College in Blantyre where an experienced panel focused on a number of electoral issues.
The activity is part of the ongoing Go To Vote Campaign by IPI under the Malawi Electoral Support Project (MESP) with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Panelist Counsel King Rudi, Civic Voter and Education Manager at Malawi Electoral Commision stated the powers and roles of the electoral body.
He said people must understand that MEC plays a critical role in elections because all processes are legal.
He adds that it is important for people to understand all electoral processes stating that the commission of MEC is very professional and acts within the confines of the law.
Senior Superintendent Memory Mgeni from Police South West Division highlighted ways in which the police are raising awareness on issues against violence.
She said through youth groups, they’re engaging communities to ensure there is peace.
Among other things, she said they are engaging the youth to detest from being used in violence.
On his part, Chief Gong’onda of Machinjiri , Blantyre highlighted that community leaders are not relenting in ensuring registered people vote.
He said all along they’ve used the belief of “Bad leaders being voted by people who don’t vote”.
Apart from that, he said they are urging people to vote for people with valuable agenda in national and local development.
In her remarks, IPI Executive Director Prof Nandini Patel hailed the panelists described them as holding well vested knowledge in electoral issues.
She also spoke against handouts, violence and awareness of elections monitors.
“You are all teachers. You must not stop teaching. We all must not stop learning. We hope you’ll utilize the information you’ve acquired from the activity today, “she said.
Hanzy Nyozani, President of the Students Union said the students attained valuable knowledge which they will spread out to the outer world.
The IPI media team, shares the images from the successful event.
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