US government calls on Civil society to play stronger role in ensuring free and fair elections

By Jones Gadama

The US government has emphasized the crucial role civil society organizations in Malawi will play in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections ahead of the September 16 general polls.

Pamela Fessenden, Mission Director for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Malawi, highlighted the importance of civil society in holding leaders accountable and promoting democracy.

Fessenden made these remarks during the handover of a vehicle and office equipment to the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) in Lilongwe.

The donation aims to enhance CSAT’s efforts in promoting democracy and ensuring that leaders are answerable to the people.

“The role of civil society will be even more critical in ensuring that Parliament is responsive, elections are free and fair, and every citizen’s voice is heard,” Fessenden said, adding that, “Today’s handover is more than just providing a vehicle and equipment. It’s an investment in mobility, access, and visibility, so you can reach remote areas faster and hold leaders accountable.”

The donation is part of USAID’s ongoing support for democratic governance and civic engagement in Malawi.

By equipping organizations like CSAT, USAID aims to strengthen their capacity to monitor elections, promote transparency, and advocate for accountability.

Willy Kambwandira, Executive Director of CSAT, welcomed the support, describing the donation as an investment in their work.

“This donation will enable us to reach more people and promote accountability and transparency in governance,” he said.

Civil society organizations like CSAT play a vital role in promoting democracy and good governance in Malawi. They provide a platform for citizens to express their views, monitor government actions, and hold leaders accountable.

As the country prepares for the general elections, the role of civil society will be crucial in ensuring that the polls are free, fair, and transparent.

By promoting accountability and transparency, civil society organizations can help build trust in the electoral process and ensure that leaders are answerable to the people.

The US government’s support for civil society in Malawi demonstrates its commitment to promoting democracy and good governance in the country.

Through initiatives like the donation to CSAT, USAID is helping to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to promote accountability and transparency.

The US government’s call for civil society to play a stronger role in ensuring free and fair elections is a timely reminder of the importance of civic engagement in promoting democracy.

With the support of organizations like USAID, civil society organizations in Malawi can continue to promote accountability and transparency, ensuring that leaders are answerable to the people.