The Presidential Debates Taskforce, a non-partisan multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives of the media, government, civil society, and other actors, has begun consultations with political parties on their participation.
The aim of the debates is to foster citizen participation in the democratic process by providing the candidates with a platform to articulate their plans for the country on a wide range of policies and issues. The debates will also provide Malawians with a rare opportunity to engage with the candidates on important issues affecting the country.
The debates are scheduled to be held in August and September ahead of the 16th September Presidential Elections.
On Thursday, the Taskforce met representatives of People’s Party (PP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) in Lilongwe and will meet representatives of other selected parties in due course.
Speaking after the meeting, People’s Party Secretary General Ben Chakhame committed to the party’s participation in the debates, observing that the debates are an important instrument for political parties to outline their agenda to the public.
“We look forward to sharing our agenda with the public. The debates are a free marketing platform which we will utilize to sell our ideas to the people,” said Chakhame.
The Taskforce welcomed the commitment by the parties as it continues engaging other political parties.
“It is also important to note that the debates will foster unity and peaceful co-existence as they will bring together candidates from different political parties and ideologies to debate and openly agree to disagree on important policy issues in front of Malawians,” said Presidential Debates Taskforce Chairperson Golden Matonga.
About the Taskforce
The Taskforce is a non-partisan, multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives of the media, government, civil society, and other actors. It is chaired by MISA Malawi with technical support from the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
The Taskforce organized similar debates during the 2014 and 2019 Tripartite Elections, and the MPS designated a commissioner-level representative to sit on the task force.
The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) – Vice Chairperson
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) – Member
Malawi Law Society (MLS) – Member
Public Affairs Committee (PAC) – Member
Media Council of Malawi (MCM) – Member
NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) – Member
National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) – Member
Political Scientist Association of Malawi (PSAM)- Member
National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) – Member
Malawi Broadcasting Station (MBC) – Member
Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) – Member
Times Group – Member
Centre for Human Rights Rehabilitation (CHRR) – Member
Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) – Member
NextGen Leaders Association (NEGLA) -Member
