Malawi’s 2025 Elections at Risk as CSOs Face Funding Crisis for Voter Education
By Pemphero Malimba
Critical Shortage Threatens Democratic Process
With just four months remaining before Malawi’s crucial September 16, 2025 elections, civil society organizations (CSOs) face a severe funding crisis that may prevent them from conducting essential voter education programs across the nation.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has accredited 116 CSOs to implement civic voter education initiatives, but most remain unfunded despite needing approximately K30 billion (about $30 million) to carry out their mandate effectively.
Video credit to: Spero Ventures
Funding Gap Puts Election Integrity at Risk
Benedicto Kondowe, Chairperson of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF), revealed that only a small fraction of the required funds have been secured. “Three-quarters of MEC-accredited organizations don’t have sustainable funding,” Kondowe stated, warning of potential consequences including:
- Low voter turnout due to lack of awareness
- Increased spread of election misinformation
- Disenfranchisement of rural populations
- Weakened democratic processes
Systemic Challenges in Funding Distribution
The crisis stems from multiple systemic issues:
“Access to the UNDP-managed basket fund is limited to pre-selected partners,” Kondowe explained, noting that most qualified CSOs remain excluded. He also highlighted the government’s historical failure to prioritize domestic funding for civic education since 1994.
Experts Sound Alarm on Election Preparedness
Bonface Chibwana, Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy, expressed deep concern about the situation:
“We’re seeing dangerous levels of misinformation about elections. Without well-funded CSOs to bridge this gap, we risk serious problems with voter understanding and participation.”
Political analyst George Chaima emphasized the critical role of CSOs: “MEC cannot conduct effective voter education alone. If these organizations can’t deliver their messages, we’re facing a potential disaster for our electoral process.”
MEC’s Position on the Crisis
While MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa acknowledged awareness of the funding challenges, he clarified that the commission doesn’t provide direct financial support to CSOs.
As the election date approaches, stakeholders are calling for urgent action to mobilize resources and ensure Malawians receive the voter education needed for credible, informed participation in the 2025 polls.