The Malawi Police Service (MPS), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is conducting comprehensive training on electoral laws and management in preparation for the 2025 General Elections. The training sessions, held at Zomba Police College and Police Cottage in Mangochi, focus on equipping police officers with the necessary skills to manage public order and ensure a fair electoral process.
During the opening session on July 17, 2024, at Zomba Police College, Mr. Denis Chipao, Commissioner of Police responsible for Research and Planning, emphasized the significance of the training.
“This training is very important considering that we are nearing the election period, where general elections will be conducted in 2025. As police, we are here to safeguard the public and ensure that peace and security are not compromised," stated Chipao.
Chipao elaborated on the training's focus, saying, "In this course, we have deliberately targeted public order management issues so that we can professionally and successfully manage incidents of violence, demonstrations, and other related events while upholding the rights and freedoms of the citizens. This will ensure a free and fair election."
He also highlighted the need to have officers conversant with the electoral laws. “Apart from public order management skills, the participants are also being taught electoral laws so that they are well-informed of the prevailing laws and can discharge their duties effectively."
Reflecting on past experiences, Chipao noted that the lessons drawn from the 2019-2020 elections will help the police do better and avoid a repeat of the shortfalls that happened then. “We thank UNDP for supporting this training and other activities related to elections,” he said.
Dr. Ernest Yeboah, UNDP Police Advisor, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting the police in their preparation for the upcoming elections and urged them to be professional. “The role of the police in election security cannot be overstated. It is the police's responsibility to protect the rights of all citizens to participate in the electoral process, free from intimidation, violence, or any form of interference. Our actions during this period will have a direct impact on the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process," remarked Yeboah.
One of the participants, Inspector Matilda Joorman Msosa from Bravo Division in Blantyre, said she was grateful her for the training.
“I expect to enhance my skills in public order management, considering that it is our mandate as police officers. This training has come at the right time," Msosa said.
The five-day training is the first phase of the Electoral Laws and Management program, being conducted in Zomba and Mangochi districts, with 110 participants currently enrolled. The trainees are being equipped with updated electoral laws and public order management skills to ensure a smooth and fair election process in September 2025.
