As Malawi prepares for the September 2025 General Elections, the Malawi Police Service (MPS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a series of Public Order Management and Human Rights training sessions aimed at equipping police officers with the skills to manage the 2025 elections, policing assemblies and gatherings professionally and lawfully. The first training commenced on 5 May 2025 at the Mlangeni Police Training School in Ntcheu, with a parallel one at the Limbe Police Training School in Blantyre.

The five-day sessions, supported by the Malawi Electoral Support Project (MESP) Basket Fund, will train 600 officers across three rounds. The programme targets senior, mid-level, and general duty officers who will directly manage public order during the electoral period. Training content includes crowd control strategies, de-escalation techniques, coordination with electoral stakeholders, and applying international human rights standards in law enforcement.

Speaking during the official opening in Mlangeni, Inspector General of Police Mrs. Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu emphasised the critical role of police professionalism in safeguarding the electoral environment. 

“As public gatherings become more frequent, our duty to manage these events with discipline, respect, and diligence becomes even more vital,” she said. “Public trust is earned through consistency, fairness, and transparency. With a shared vision and unwavering determination, we will uphold the principles and foundations for a peaceful and democratic society”.

She further noted the Police Service’s commitment to aligning operations with national laws and international best practices. “We have reviewed our policy on Policing of Public Events… focusing on lawful, professional, and rights-based policing, emphasising accountability, respect for human rights, and standardised principles and procedures for the use of force and firearms.”

Resident Representative for UNDP Malawi, Ms. Fenella Frost, reaffirmed the organisation’s support to Malawi’s democratic processes, stating: “This training reflects our shared commitment to supporting institutions that uphold peace, security and the rights of citizens. As elections approach, it is essential that law enforcement personnel are equipped not only with tools for public order but also with the knowledge to protect democratic freedoms. We proudly stand with the Malawi Police Service in this important work.”

The Chairperson for Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, also endorsed the training initiative, acknowledging the crucial role of the police in the electoral process. “The virtues of professionalism and orderly conduct of police officers are vital to maintaining public confidence and ensuring the integrity of our elections,” she said. “The Commission regards the Police Service as a strategic and indispensable partner in the electoral process.” 

The Commissioner Christopher Tukula of the Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) stressed that police accountability is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of principle, and it is about ensuring that election security is performed with integrity and respect for all individuals. Mr. Ronan Sweeney, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland was also in attendance and his presence reflected the shared commitment of the Election Basket Fund donors to fostering credible and peaceful elections through partnership and collaboration.

The training is expected to enhance officers’ readiness to prevent and respond to potential election-related unrest, while safeguarding citizens' rights to peaceful assembly. It includes practical simulation exercises and the study of local and regional case studies from previous elections, particularly lessons learned from the 2019/2020 electoral period.

UNDP Malawi deeply appreciates the support of the Basket Fund donors—the European Union, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States Government—whose contributions have made this training initiative and broader electoral preparedness possible.