The Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has been urged to reduce women’s nomination fees by 50 percent so that many aspirants can participate in the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
NGO Gender Coordination Network Chairperson Maggie Kathewera Banda said cutting the nomination fees by half would increase Malawi’s chances of meeting 50:50 campaign targets.
“Many women are eager to participate in politics but face financial challenges and yet the commitment of Sadc [Southern African Development Community] member states, including Malawi, on gender parity in politics and decision-making has been made at the highest levels.
“The Declaration on Gender and Development, which was signed by Sadc heads of State and government in September 1997, commits Sadc countries to ensure equal representation of women and men in decision-making positions. The inclusion of women in decision-making positions is, therefore, a fundamental human right and an issue of social justice,” Banda said.
On Saturday, non-governmental organisation Bring It Up also said, in a statement, that it hoped that nomination fees for women aspirants would be “much, much lower than those for men” so that women would fancy their chances of winning elections.
“We look forward to a time when women will be required to pay absolutely nothing until 50:50 campaign goals are met,” it said in a statement.
The statement came after Mec launched the 2025 elections at an event held in Lilongwe.
Responding to the issue, Mec spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said nomination fees would be announced in November 2024, as required by law.
He said anyone with issues should formally address them to the commission.
“The commission has the mandate to determine nomination fees and is not bound by suggestions from any stakeholder,” Mwafulirwa said.
On August 1, the commission launched the 2025 general elections, encouraging individual responsibility in advancing democracy through voting.
Mec Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja highlighted that the theme for the 2025 elections is ‘Promoting Democratic Leadership through Your Vote’, guiding all election-related activities.
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