The Malawi Law Society (the “Society”) in exercise of its statutory mandate under section 64(d) of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act “to protect matters of public interest touching, ancillary or incidental to law” makes this public statement in response to the escalating reported acts of political violence preceding the 16th September 2025 general elections.

1. The Society expresses profound alarm and condemnation over recent reported incidents of politically motivated violence allegedly involving supporters of different political parties and candidates participating in primary elections. The Society has observed reports of damaged property and people injured and/or maimed, including incidents reported on the night of 11th May 2025 in Mponela, Dowa District. The Society condemns these acts in the strongest terms.
2. Any acts of political violence undermine the integrity of Malawi’s democratic processes and violate fundamental rights to life, security, and political participation enshrined in sections 16, 19, 32, 34, 35, 38 and 40 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. These behaviours threaten electoral credibility by intimidating voters, compromising fairness, and eroding public trust in state institutions.
3. The Malawi Law Society notes that while the Malawi Police Service has powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute perpetrators, it has in certain circumstances failed to expeditiously investigate reported incidents. The Society reminds the Malawi Police Service to exercise independence and protect the public according to the Constitution and the law, and calls for prompt investigations and prosecution of all culprits regardless of party affiliation.
4. The Malawi Law Society urges the Government, particularly the State President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, to prioritize the safety and security of all Malawians in the run up to the elections, in line with Section 88 of the Constitution, to ensure peace and national unity and to arrest any emerging political violence across the country.
5. The Malawi Law Society further calls upon leaders of all political parties to take responsibility for their supporters’ conduct and ensure that anyone instigating violence faces stern action or sanctions from their respective parties. Political leaders should cooperate with the Malawi Police Service and refrain from shielding supporters involved in violent criminal acts.

Issued this 13th day of May 2025.

Francis Ekari M’mame
CHAIRPERSON

HONORARY SECRETARY