In an event organized by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), with support from the United Nations, 12 presidential candidates for the upcoming 2025 general elections have signed the peace declaration on 8th September 2025 at BICC in Lilongwe committing themselves and their followers to promote peace.
In his opening remarks, PAC Chairperson, Monsignor Dr. Patrick Thawale said the aim of the national prayers for the signing of peace declaration was to pray for Malawi to hold peaceful elections and encourage candidates to be ambassadors of peace.
Dr. Thawale added that dialogue and mediation is key to resolving political disputes and that is why PAC has stand-alone mediators that would be deployed in case of dispute in the electoral process.
He further commended the presidential candidates for making time to attend the event despite their busy schedule during this campaign period which shows their commitment to peace.
“My final message to the presidential candidates is that all of you are competing in a race. Elections are never won by gatherings during campaigns. The number of people at a rally are not votes. Let us be open to other possibilities. There are times the impossible becomes possible. Even the 50%+1 is a possibility for all of you. The narratives we create may look attractive but must always be checked. God always performs wonders,” he explained.
In her solidarity statement, UN resident coordinator, Rebecca Adda Dontoh said the signing of the peace declaration is more than political but a sacred promise to people of Malawi that peace will prevail.
The UN resident coordinator urged presidential candidates that their campaign must be respectful.
She further urged Malawians to cast their vote with power stressing that their vote is their voice. She added “reject violence, reject conflicts and embrace peace.”
The Comesa committee member of the elders, Former Prime Minister of Uganda, H.E Ruhakana Rugunda said it is not just a ceremonial gathering but a call to action, a call to express grievances.
“Elections are not just competition for position. True leadership is not tested by victory but how you conduct yourselves. Embrace dialogue as primary means of resolving disputes,” he concluded.
Presidential candidates who attended the national prayers for the signing of peace declaration include Rev.Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr. Joyce Banda of People’s Party (PP),Dr. Dalitso Kabambe of UTM, Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF), Akwame Bandawe of Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimai (AAA),Kamuzu Chibambo of People’s Transformation Movement (PETRA) and independent candidates, Phunziro Mvula, Thokozani Banda, Cosmas Chipojola, Smart Swira, Adil James Chilungo and Tobias Milward.
Presidential candidate for Democractic Progress Party, Professor Arthhur Mutharika did not attend the event and was represented by his running Dr. Jane Ansah while Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi of Odya zake Alibe Mlandu was represented by his running mate Grace Nazitwere and Frank Tumpale Mwenefumbo of National development party represented by his running mate Dr. Chikondi Mpokosa but did not sign on their behalf because they are not the main candidates.
