BLANTYRE, Malawi — The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority has begun monitoring radio stations across the country to ensure balanced and responsible coverage during the official campaign period ahead of national elections on Sept. 16.
MACRA states that the initiative aims to ensure equitable media access for all political parties and candidates during the two-month campaign window, which began on July 14. It also seeks to prevent the spread of hate speech and misinformation by enforcing ethical broadcasting standards.
Particular focus is being placed on community radio stations, which continue to be critical sources of information for rural populations. According to the Media Institute for Southern Africa in Malawi (MISA-Malawi), the country has 76 licensed national, regional and community radio stations.
MACRA has warned it will take punitive action against any broadcaster that breaches regulations. The move follows a workshop the regulator hosted two months ago in Mangochi, under the theme “Rethinking Community Broadcasting and Ethics Ahead of the September 16, 2025, Elections.”
To support its oversight efforts, MACRA has activated the Election Broadcasts Monitoring and Enforcement Committee — a multi-stakeholder group that includes representatives from the Malawi Electoral Commission, the Malawi Law Society and the Media Council of Malawi. The council is also responsible for handling complaints related to election coverage.
Prioritizing dialogue
“We are not here to police media houses but to ensure professionalism,” said MACRA Deputy Director of Broadcasting Kelton Masangano. “Punitive measures will be taken against those who violate ethical broadcasting standards during the election period.”
MEC Director of Communication Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the committee should prioritize dialogue over punishment. “The media must be allowed to operate in a free, fair and secure environment because they play a critical role in delivering accurate information to Malawians,” he said.
MACRA has deployed temporary radio monitoring officers throughout the country. They are tasked with reviewing news bulletins and political programming in real time throughout the campaign period and on election day, flagging violations for immediate review.
The committee says it will continue to act as a watchdog to ensure fairness, professionalism and peaceful media engagement throughout the 2025 electoral process.
More than a dozen presidential candidates have submitted nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission, confirming their intention to contest the upcoming vote.
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