As Malawi (and the Southern Africa region) holds its breath for the 2025 General Elections on September 16, 2025, civic participation cannot be limited to only allowing digital access for citizens. Yes, it is imperative that citizens are online, and for debates and information to flow fast, but democracy is not built on connectivity alone!

In an environment where civic space has been hit with restrictive regulations for NGOs, state-led surveillance, and even violence against protesters, the real question is: What power do  citizens have once they speak out online?

Digital democracy and free speech involve more than just allowing platforms for expression to exist. There must also be protection from harassment for divergent views, equal access to platforms, and fact-checking tools that help lead to fair political influence and outcomes. Now, this is not a call to attack parties. Responsible citizenry is crucial – but the spaces used to voice concerns must be kept safe and effective.

Strengthened digital literacy
The trend among African leaders has been to restrict access to digital platforms once the election season is in full swing. It is commendable that President Lazarus Chakwera’s government has so far kept all platforms for commentary and information operating. The real test, however, is ensuring that the information shared is correct. Without the skills to distinguish fact from manipulation, digital spaces can be weaponized against democracy.

As the initial election results start making the rounds, civil society organizations (CSOs) must take the lead in sharing accurate information and in motivating voters to remain calm even if their preferred candidate has not won. By behaving responsibly, we can ensure everyone participates fully and safely.

Inclusive participation
CSOs must also not forget that women, youth, people living in rural areas, and marginalized communities often face barriers that mere connectivity cannot solve. What language is being used in the debates? How expensive is it for voters to stay connected? It is our responsibility to do everything we can to enable inclusive and meaningful participation in the elections. For example, civil society organizations may need to develop campaign materials that simplify complex terms and discussions for a wider general public to make better-informed decisions and participate more effectively.

Building civic responsibility
Once we've worked to achieve understanding and active voter participation, the next step is to take real action. Posting, re-sharing, and liking are not enough. Now that so much has been invested in these elections, peaceful mobilization, monitoring polling stations, and demanding accountability after results are announced remain a crucial responsibility of ours, too. 

CSOs must put in place plans to sustain the pre-election expectations with real actions that don’t cause a collapse of our society. Working hand-in-hand with the government, CSOs should contribute to a smooth transition with extended, post-election voter education through digital tools that can be used to strengthen real-world democratic responsibilities. This develops a sense of responsibility from the public and helps everyone understand that results can go either way. 

One such tool is the Mzinda Wanga platform, developed through Hivos' Voices and Actions for Accountability project in Malawi project to engage and demand action from the government. It is an example of how to develop a connection between government actions and citizen responses. Similar tools in this year's election could let us keep track of what candidates have promised against what they have delivered.

Preparing the way 
As we prepare for the election and the post-electoral period, we must ensure digital spaces thrive by protecting the rights of the people using these tools. There can be no room for punitive justice through surveillance, online harassment, or censorship after this election.
Civil society and citizens must push for strong data protection, online safety, and legal frameworks that guarantee both freedom of expression and trust in civic digital tools. The government and key tech actors alike also have a responsibility to ensure that online engagement translates into real-world accountability.

Every citizen, regardless of gender, age, or location, should be able to participate and help shape the democratic future of Malawi. Going beyond access is not optional; it is the difference between digital tools reinforcing exclusion or powering a new generation of democratic action in Africa.

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This article was written by Lizwe Chitanganya, Regional Communications Officer for Hivos Southern Africa. Hivos is an international NGO working globally to promote social justice and sustainable development. In Southern Africa, Hivos is headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, with additional offices in Lusaka, Zambia, and Lilongwe, Malawi.

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