Media, elections and good governance
The media play a vital role in the holding democratic elections. It keeps voters informed about the policies and profiles of the various political parties; provides analysis of how candidates and parties have performed on specific issues; serves as a source of information about the election process; and provides a platform for public debate.
MISA Malawi supports public discussion by hosting presidential debates, an activity we initiated in 2014 and continued in 2019. You can see our activities during the 2019 Malawi elections and during the 2014 Malawi elections here.
We also conduct research on media coverage in the lead up, during and after elections.
In addition, MISA Malawi works to protect the rights of media professionals during the election period.
- In 2019, we secured priority voting for journalists and other media workers so they could exercise their right to vote and also cover election day.
- We collate and publish media violations during the election period (see 2019 violations here).
Election and governance news
MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson in Zambia for election observation
MISA Malawi Vice Chairperson Mandy Pondani is in Zambia for General Elections observation. Pondani is part of a six-member MISA Regional Mission observing media and freedom of expression landscape during that country’s General Elections. Zambians are voting to elect...
MISA Malawi trainers in Zambia election reporting training
Two MISA Malawi trainers are part of the three-member team of trainers facilitating a five-day virtual training on voter-centred election reporting. The trainers, Anderson Fumulani and Gregory Gondwe are part of DW Akademie-trained MISA Malawi trainer pool. The third...
MISA Malawi dates MACRA on suspension of phone-in programmes
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has promised to review its suspension of phone-in radio and television programmes. MACRA Director General Godfrey Itaye made the pledge during a meeting with MISA Malawi officials at Macra offices in Blantyre on...
MISA Malawi calls for reversal of phone-in programmes suspension
MISA Malawi is calling for an immediate reversal of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority(MACRA) decision to suspend phone-in programmes. In its public announcement titled ‘The conduct of broadcasters on coverage of post elections events’ dated June 7,2019,...
Malawi Electoral Commission response on journalists’ voting
Members, Please be notified that Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has positively responded to our requests for priority voting and authorisation to vote elsewhere for journalists. Please follow the instructions as provided by MEC in the completely printed letter...