Despite Malawi’s legal framework designed to promote fair and inclusive electoral competition, the country’s general elections held on September 16, 2025, were once again overshadowed by practices that continue to marginalize women in politics.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and COMESA have commended Malawi for holding a peaceful general election election.

The NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) is leading a fresh charge to introduce legislative quotas for women in politics, arguing the measure is essential to achieve gender parity in Malawi’s governance structures.

Gender rights activists have hailed the appointment of two women, Patricia Wiskes and Martha Ngwira, as Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip in Parliament by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).