The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the need for Malawi to invest in institutions that promote peace and unity to sustain the country’s long-standing stability.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Dr. Chika Charles Aniekwe, said such investments would strengthen the capacity to identify and report early signs of tension before they escalate.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during the handover of the Election Situation Room to the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission and the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust.

Dr. Aniekwe said empowering institutions and communities with the right tools and knowledge is key to building stronger agents of peace.

“When you look at the countries around Malawi, you will realise that the country needs to embrace the peace it has. Strengthening institutions that nurture peace through adequate resource provision is crucial,” he said.

He added that in a world increasingly shaped by complex risks including climate change, political instability, and economic shocks, the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats is essential.

Dr. Aneikwe stressed that the handover, provides digital infrastructure and analytical capabilities to detect early signs of conflict.

Malawi Peace and Unity Commission Commissioner, Francis Mkandawire, said the Commission will be responsible for data analysis but appealed for UNDP’s continued support to enhance its technical capacity.

“Investing in peace is something we should not take for granted. Malawi is at peace today because its people remain vigilant. This platform will help us detect incidents that require action,” Mkandawire said.

NICE Public Trust Executive Director, Gray Kalindekafe, said the initiative underscores a shared commitment to credible and peaceful elections.

He said the Situation Room will help ensure citizens’ voices are heard, potential conflicts are addressed promptly, and transparency is upheld in national processes.

“This will now become a multi-stakeholder partnership, using the platform to enhance democracy and good governance in Malawi,” said Kalindekafe.

During the handover, it was revealed that the Situation Room recorded 3,000 incident reports from 6,331 electoral observers during Malawi’s tripartite elections held on 16 September 2025.