Electoral and gender stakeholders in Thyolo have hailed ongoing constituency debates as a unifying platform for candidates and supporters, while promoting women’s participation in leadership ahead of the September 16 general elections.

Thyolo District Principal Gender Officer, Gerald Zgambo, said the debates are helping bridge the gender gap in political representation.

“We have 25 female aspirants this year, contesting as parliamentarians and ward councillors—up from just one MP and one councillor in the last term. This shows that women are now stepping forward in leadership, and such debates are providing them a safe space to engage voters and present their vision,” he said.

Dalitso Chiwayula, Executive Director of Chipembere Community Development Organization (CCDO), said the debates are designed to encourage more women to take part in politics and decision-making.

“We want voters to see women as capable leaders and to empower them through the ballot,” he urged.

NICE Trust District Programmes Officer, Moses Kaunda, commended both the turnout and the quality of engagement.

“Six out of ten candidates in the constituency participated, and they presented their manifestos effectively. This shows that the platform is being taken seriously,” Kaunda noted.

Thyolo District Peace and Unity Committee Chairperson, Martin Kavalo, praised the candidates and supporters for maintaining harmony during the debate.

“What we are seeing is democracy in action—people disagreeing on ideas but remaining united. This is how we safeguard peace during the election period,” he said.

The Bvumbwe–Mikolongwe constituency debate, held at Senior Chief Boyidi’s headquarters, featured five aspirants—Bertha Kubwalo, John Kuzala, Grace Kamba, Alice Tembo Kossam (all independents), and Emmanuel Zosiilana of UTM—who faced off in person, while William Thumba participated virtually from South Africa.

The debates are jointly organized by NICE Trust and CCDO.