On behalf of the Electoral Support Network for Southern Africa (ESN-SA) and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), we extend our sincere gratitude to the people of Malawi and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for the warm welcome to our team. As ESN-SA and ZESN, we are honoured to be part of this important democratic process and are truly experiencing the warmth and spirit that Malawi is known for.

On 14 September 2025, the Learning Mission team arrived in Malawi following an invitation from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to observe the 16 September General Elections. The Learning Mission comprises 13 accredited short-term observers from domestic observer groups in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The team will be primarily deployed in Lilongwe and its surrounding areas, remaining in the country until September 19, 2025.

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INTRODUCTION

In line with the Election Support Network of Southern Africa’s mission to contribute to higher levels of electoral integrity in Africa and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network’s (ZESN) mission to promote democratic, free, and fair electoral processes through objectively and impartially observing elections, the two organisations deployed a Joint Learning Mission to observe the Malawi General Elections held on 16 September 2025. The Learning Mission comprised 13 accredited short-term observers from citizen observer groups in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The elections encompassed the Presidential race, the election of 229 members of the National Assembly, and the election of 509 Local Government Councillors.

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What ACDEG is all about?

The Charter serves as a comprehensive framework that defines the international standards for good governance and democratic practices across the African continent.

When was it Adopted?

Adopted on January 30, 2007, entering into force on February 15, 2012, the Charter has been signed by 46 countries, with 39 having ratified and deposited the instrument.

How CSOs can support the ACDEG Agenda?
ACDEG seeks to promote:

• Popularising and ensuring the uptake of ACDEG
• Advocacy, awareness raising, agenda setting in some cases, asking countries to uphold their commitment to report on ACDEG implementation
• Increasing in-country domestication and implementation of ACDEG, inform voters, build capacity (of citizens, other stakeholders, or of officials)

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INTRODUCTION

The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) is a roadmap that outlines international standards for good governance and democracy on the African continent . Adopted on January 30, 2007, and entering into force on February 15, 2012, the Charter has been signed by 46
countries, with 39 having ratified and deposited the instrument. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), 11 countries have successfully signed, ratified, and deposited the ACDEG. However, three countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mauritius, and
Eswatini, have signed but not yet ratified the instrument, while Botswana and Tanzania have neither signed nor ratified it. The Charter aims at consolidating the commitment of AU member states to promote nd deepen democratic governance and human rights across the continent.

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