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
New Date for Second Presidential Debate
The Presidential Debates Taskforce wishes to inform all stakeholders that the second Presidential Debate will be held on September 9, 2025, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) from 6pm. The Taskforce rescheduled the debate to allow for further...
Second Malawi Presidential Debate shifted
The Presidential Debates Task Force would like to inform the general public, development partners and all stakeholders that the second Presidential Debate has been shifted to a later date to be announced over the weekend to create space for further engagement with...
MISA Malawi, Media Council of Malawi joint statement on interface with MBC leadership
The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi) and the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) on Thursday, July 3, 2025, met the leadership of Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). The meeting was aimed at ensuring the public broadcaster plays a...
MISA Malawi condemns government impunity in continued violent attacks on protesters, journalists, others
MISA Malawi joins individuals and organisations that value democracy and rule of law in strongly condemning and calling for action on the barbaric attacks on demonstrators, journalists and passers-by at and around Lilongwe Community Centre on Thursday, June 26, 2025....
Presidential Debates Task Force meets political parties
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...