By Augustine Muwotcha
United Democratic Front parliamentary aspirant, Esther Jolobala, recounted her own harrowing experience of political violence, an incident that not only disrupted her campaign rhythm but also left her family and community in shock.
Allegedly, on August 28, 2025, six weeks into the official campaign period, Jolobala’s motorcade was blocked by vehicles belonging to her rival, a male candidate from the UTM party, on the way back from a rally in Machinga East Constituency. The rival then hacked Jolobala’s bodyguard before being arrested by police.
“I was very affected, because I did not expect it to happen to me,” she said. “Even my children and relatives were deeply disturbed. My constituents did not sleep that night; some were crying in their homes. Others followed us to ensure we were safe.”
Violence against women in politics
Since the official campaign period began on July 14, 2025, Malawi has recorded at least one verified incident of political violence directly targeting women candidates ahead of the September 16 General Elections.
Records from the Malawi Police Service indicate that five incidents of general political violence were reported within just two weeks. The first assessment by Chisankho Watch, an election observer team, also verified a case where a governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official threatened a female aspirant in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency.
Jolobala sees these incidents as part of a broader pattern of intimidation that has long discouraged women from seeking political office.
“Sixty years after independence, as Malawians we need to sit down and think,” she said.
Statistics from the National Assembly and the Malawi Electoral Commission reveal that only 20% legislators elected up to 2024 were women. Regionally, according to Afrobarometer’s 2024 African Insights: Democracy at Risk, Rwanda leads with 61% of female representation in Parliament, followed by Namibia at 50% and Senegal at 46%.
“Women have always been sidelined when it comes to political positions,” Jolobala said. “This is because women face numerous challenges whenever they want to compete.”
She stressed that political parties must discipline their members and create a safe environment for women.
“If men are attacking and humiliating women, and the political party claps hands for that, then the party itself is encouraging violence,” she argued.
Despite the trauma, Jolobala encouraged fellow aspirants not to be intimidated.
“I know women have been insulted and humiliated, but they should not be afraid. They must work extra hard and focus on issue-based campaigns. Malawians will be the best judges on 16 September.”
“No-go zones” and intimidation
Jolobala’s experience is not unique. Eurita Ntiza Valeta, an independent aspirant for Nsanje South West Constituency, has faced threats, demeaning language, and political “no-go zones.”
Contesting against seven male candidates, Valeta was barred from holding a campaign rally in one part of her constituency and warned of consequences if she proceeded.
“I felt intimidated, but I gathered courage to go to the area where I successfully conducted the rally,” she said.
Valeta revealed that one of her rivals has been verbally attacking her in public.
“He has been telling people not to vote for me, calling me demeaning names,” she said.
Valeta observed that such derogatory attacks discourage women.
“Most times, women like to live in peace and harmony. When faced with such acts, many could resort to avoiding campaign rallies altogether for fear of their lives and those of their supporters,” she explained.
Voters speak out
For voters, the impact of intimidation is equally concerning. Ides Nandolo, 35, from Mtupanyama Village, Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu, witnessed a male candidate using demeaning language against a female opponent.
“I feel bad for my fellow women about these incidents because we also have a right to participate in politics, including vying for different positions,” she said.
Ides Nandolo captured in Chiradzulu: Augustine Muwotcha
According to figures from the Malawi Electoral Commission, women dominate the 2025 electoral roll, with 57.1% of the registered voters.
Nandolo said she is determined to vote for female candidates as a way of encouraging them to achieve their political ambitions.
“I feel my vote can encourage such women not to have fear,” she explained.
Nandolo added that women make good leaders because they are closely acquainted with day-to-day challenges in homes and communities, which enables them to propose practical solutions.
“I would like to encourage my fellow women to vote for women candidates to ensure more development projects in their areas,” she urged.
Another voter, Hastings Kasonga from Lilongwe, said political violence and derogatory language can discourage communities from supporting women.
“These incidents can traumatize female candidates, affecting both their campaigns and their political future,” he said.
Gender activist’s perspective
Gender and women’s rights activist Emma Kaliya noted that while political violence against women was common before July, the official campaign period has been relatively calm.
“Of course, there are still issues such as the use of demeaning language and heckling directed at women candidates, but compared to July, the situation has improved significantly,” she said.
She attributed this improvement to heightened awareness that perpetrators risk disqualification.
Kaliya also commended political leaders for toning down their rhetoric.
“If the leaders themselves stop using provocative language, their supporters follow suit. That has helped keep the campaign environment calmer,” she said.
However, she urged women not to remain silent when harassed.
“I would really just encourage female candidates who have faced incidents to report to the police, the Electoral Commission, or the Multi-Party Liaison Committees. Sitting quietly and only complaining from home does not make things better,” she said.
Political experts warn
Political analyst Mavuto Bamusi, spokesperson for the Political Science Association of Malawi, described violence and intimidation as a deliberate suppression strategy that undermines democracy and gender inclusion.
“The kind of politics which is targeting female aspirants must not be tolerated for a country that is trying to promote gender inclusion even in our democratic processes,” he said.
Political analyst Mavuto Bamusi: Social media photo
Bamusi warned that such tactics are often used by political actors who lack substantive campaign issues.
“This is not the way,” he said. “The 2025 elections are issue-based elections. Voters must put in office their preferred candidates based on the issues for developing their communities and advancing Malawi’s economic development agenda.”
Political parties and government react
The United Democratic Front (UDF) deputy publicity secretary, Labana Chilungo, said the party actively encourages women to participate in politics and compete for all positions. He added that UDF does not tolerate violence or derogatory statements against women, and members found guilty face disciplinary action.
Minister of Gender Jean Sendeza, who also serves as Director of Women for the ruling Malawi Congress Party, condemned political violence and intimidation.
“We want to see women participate freely in the elections without fear,” she said.
Sendeza warned that the law will take its course on all perpetrators.
Incidents of political violence and intimidation targeting women aspirants highlight how far Malawi still has to go in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), which aims to ensure women’s full participation and equal opportunities for leadership. They also expose weaknesses in progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which calls for inclusive societies free from violence and intimidation.
