Africa-Press – Eswatini. Former Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, where he will lead the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) ahead of the country’s highly anticipated General Election set for 16 September 2025.
Masuku’s appointment was made by His Majesty King Mswati III, the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The King also instructed the SADC Secretariat, under the leadership of Executive Secretary H.E. Elias Mpedi Magosi, to coordinate the deployment of the mission and ensure the smooth facilitation of observers across Malawi.
Mission Launch on 10 September
On 10 September 2025, Masuku will formally launch the SEOM, marking the deployment of 80 election observers from 10 SADC Member States. Observers will be stationed across all 28 districts of Malawi to oversee the electoral process from start to finish.
The mission’s role is to assess the transparency, credibility, and fairness of the elections, in line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections. Observers will monitor campaigning, voting, ballot counting, and the announcement of results, ensuring compliance with regional, continental, and international standards.
Eswatini’s Growing Role
Eswatini’s prominent role in this mission reflects its growing influence in regional peace and security matters. By assigning Masuku, one of its most experienced statesmen, to head the SEOM, Eswatini underscores its commitment to advancing democracy and political cooperation within southern Africa.
King Mswati III’s position as Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ further consolidates the Kingdom’s leadership role in regional governance and stability initiatives.
Malawi’s Political Landscape
The 2025 General Election is expected to be closely contested, with millions of Malawians preparing to cast their ballots. The country has a vibrant but often tense political environment.
Malawi made headlines in 2020 when the Constitutional Court annulled the 2019 presidential election due to widespread irregularities – a landmark ruling hailed as a victory for democracy. The re-run election saw Dr Lazarus Chakwera elected President, leading a coalition government under the Tonse Alliance.
As Malawians prepare for the 2025 vote, political analysts predict stiff competition between the ruling coalition and opposition parties, particularly amid growing economic challenges, high youth unemployment, and calls for stronger governance reforms.
These dynamics heighten the importance of credible electoral observation. The SADC mission is therefore expected to play a key role in assuring both local and international stakeholders that Malawi’s elections are conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and credible manner.
Strengthening Regional Democracy
Speaking ahead of the launch, Masuku stressed the importance of solidarity in safeguarding democracy across the region. “The presence of SADC observers demonstrates our collective commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the will of the Malawian people is fully respected,” he said.
Observers’ findings will be compiled into a final report to be shared with the Malawian government, political parties, and the wider SADC community. The report is expected to provide recommendations aimed at strengthening Malawi’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Looking Ahead
For Malawi, the 2025 elections will test both its democratic resilience and its ability to deliver a peaceful transfer – or continuation – of power. For SADC, the mission reaffirms the regional body’s role as a custodian of peace, stability, and credible governance across southern Africa.
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