By Burnett Munthali
Various stakeholders from across Malawi have converged at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre to take part in the Public Affairs Committee (PAC)’s 6th All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference.
The two-day conference, which kicked off today, is being held under the theme “Securing Consensus on Transparent and Accountable Electoral Governance through Dialogue.”
This national dialogue comes at a critical time as the country gears up for the 2025 Tripartite Elections, with several electoral concerns already emerging in public discourse.
According to PAC, the conference aims to foster open and constructive dialogue among political leaders, civil society actors, religious groups, traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic community.
The main objective is to build a shared understanding and consensus on the principles of electoral transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
This is the first time in seven years that PAC has organized a theme-based stakeholder engagement of this magnitude, the last one having been held in 2017.
Back then, PAC played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue around pressing national concerns, a tradition it is now reviving amid rising political tension and calls for electoral reforms.
The 2025 elections-related issues are expected to dominate discussions, especially in light of demands from various sectors for a level playing field and reforms in the management of elections.
Participants are anticipated to deliberate on matters such as the role of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), political party financing, voter registration, and the need for constitutional clarity on electoral processes.
PAC, known for its neutral and bridge-building role in Malawian politics, believes that inclusive dialogue is key to ensuring that elections are credible, peaceful, and acceptable to all.
The organization has reiterated its commitment to serving as a non-partisan platform that promotes peace, unity, and democratic governance through consultation and dialogue.
As the conference unfolds, eyes are on the resolutions that will emerge, with many hoping that they will shape electoral policy and guide Malawi toward a more accountable and democratic future.
The presence of influential leaders and representatives from all sectors of society signals a strong commitment to peaceful and credible elections in 2025.
The outcomes of this conference are expected to inform future engagements between government institutions, political stakeholders, and civil society as the election draws closer.
