By Burnett Munthali
Parliament has passed the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections (Amendment) Bill No. 23 of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Malawi’s electoral reforms ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The newly passed legislation introduces a key amendment to Section 74 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act (No. 10 of 2023).
Under the revised provision, polling staff, representatives of candidates and political parties, and officers from security agencies will now be permitted to cast their votes at the polling stations where they are deployed.
This amendment is expected to enhance electoral participation among critical frontline personnel who previously were often unable to vote due to work-related deployment away from their designated voting constituencies.
Electoral stakeholders have long advocated for such reforms to ensure that those entrusted with overseeing the election process are not disenfranchised on polling day.
The decision has been welcomed by political parties and civil society organizations, who view the amendment as a positive step towards inclusive and transparent elections.
Following the passing of the bill, the National Assembly adjourned Sine Die, officially bringing the parliamentary session to a close.
With this adjournment, Parliament now stands dissolved, as Malawi enters the formal election period ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 tripartite elections.
The passing of this amendment bill reflects Parliament’s commitment to strengthening democratic processes and ensuring that every eligible citizen, including those serving in official election capacities, has the right and opportunity to vote.
