The Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network jointly deployed an Observation and Learning Mission to the Malawi General (Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government) Elections held on 16 September 2025. The Mission comprised 12 observers who were deployed to four districts in the Central Region, namely Lilongwe Central, Salima, Dowa and
Dedza. The Mission undertook a comprehensive review of the political, administrative, and legal frameworks governing elections in Malawi. In addition, the Mission held consultations with key electoral stakeholders, such as citizen observer groups, women’s organisations and other international observer missions. These engagements were instrumental in enhancing the Mission’s understanding of the
broader electoral environment.

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The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), in collaboration with the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and UN Women, convened a high-level dialogue titled ‘Electoral Reform Through a Gender Lens: Insights from Malawi, South Africa, and Namibia’, at Monomotapa Hotel in Harare on 27 October 2025. The workshop brought together over 40 participants drawn from women’s organizations, civil society, academia, media, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and other electoral experts with the aim of examining regional experiences and best practices to inform gender-inclusive electoral reforms in Zimbabwe.

ZESN Executive Director Mrs. Rindai Chipfunde-Vava opened the workshop by outlining the objectives, which included identifying best practices in gender-inclusive electoral strategies and policies from other jurisdictions towards enhancing women’s participation in the electoral process locally.

UN Women Representative Mrs. Fadzai Traquino, made introductory remarks, framing the discussions within the regional electoral reform landscape. In her presentation, Mrs. Traquino provided a comparative overview of recent electoral legal reforms in Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique, highlighting both progress and persisting gender gaps. She noted that while many of the 2023–2025 legal amendments in these countries aimed at strengthening procedural fairness, transparency, and administrative efficiency, most lacked explicit gender provisions.

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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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