As Malawi and the Southern Africa region approach the 2025 General Elections, experts emphasize that civic participation must go beyond simply providing digital access to citizens. While online platforms facilitate rapid information sharing and debate, true democracy relies on more than connectivity alone. In environments where NGOs face restrictive regulations, surveillance, and even violence against protesters, the critical question remains: what real power do citizens have once they speak out online?
Digital democracy requires more than just freedom of expression. Citizens must be protected from harassment, have equal access to platforms, and benefit from fact-checking tools that ensure fair political influence and outcomes. Responsible engagement is essential, but the spaces for dialogue must remain safe and effective to support meaningful participation.
Strengthening digital literacy is vital, particularly as some African leaders restrict online access during elections. Malawi’s government has so far kept digital platforms operational, but citizens need skills to distinguish factual information from misinformation. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a key role in sharing accurate information, calming tensions, and promoting responsible participation, ensuring that voters can engage safely even amid contested results.
Inclusive participation is another crucial aspect. Women, youth, rural populations, and marginalized communities often face barriers that connectivity alone cannot overcome. CSOs must provide materials in accessible language and formats, enabling broader engagement and informed decision-making. Ensuring that debates and campaigns are understandable to all segments of the population is key to meaningful electoral participation.
Building civic responsibility extends beyond online activity. Social media interactions such as posting or liking are not sufficient. Citizens must engage in real-world actions, including peaceful mobilization, monitoring polling stations, and holding leaders accountable after the results. CSOs can facilitate this by extending post-election voter education and using digital tools to connect government actions with citizen responses. Platforms like Mzinda Wanga, developed by Hivos in Malawi, demonstrate how online engagement can support accountability and track promises against delivery.
Looking ahead, it is essential to safeguard digital spaces by protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring online safety, and strengthening legal frameworks that uphold freedom of expression. Both government and technology actors have a responsibility to ensure that digital participation translates into real-world democratic accountability. Every citizen, regardless of gender, age, or location, should have the opportunity to shape Malawi’s democratic future. Going beyond access is crucial to ensuring that digital tools empower inclusion rather than perpetuate exclusion.
