MALAWI: SADC Launches Refresher Training For Electoral Observers Ahead of 2025 Elections

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially launched a four-day Refresher Training for electoral observers ahead of Malawi’s September 2025 General Elections.

The training, taking place in Lilongwe from today until September 8, marks a key step in the preparation and deployment of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) for the upcoming elections.

Leonard Sesa of Botswana, a member of the SADC Election Advisory Committee, described the initiative as a “payback” for Malawi, noting that the country also contributes election observers to other SADC member states.

Principal Secretary for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mary Kachale, emphasised the importance of ensuring observers are fully acquainted with Malawi’s electoral laws to carry out their duties effectively.

Observers from ten SADC member states — including Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe — are participating in the training program.

The refresher course will cover electoral processes, legal frameworks, and monitoring methodologies, aiming to equip observers with the necessary skills to assess the elections professionally.

Officials said the SADC Electoral Observation Mission plays a vital role in promoting transparency, credibility, and confidence in Malawi’s electoral process.

The training is part of broader regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance and ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections across SADC member states.