Fri. Aug 1st, 2025

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has strongly condemned the disruption of media coverage during President Peter Mutharika’s presentation of nomination papers for the upcoming elections. The incident occurred when Mutharika arrived at the COMESA Hall in Blantyre to submit his nomination papers. A group of people, allegedly supporters of the ruling party, blocked journalists from accessing the hall, preventing them from covering the event. MISA Malawi has expressed concern over the increasing trend of harassment and intimidation of journalists in the country. The organization has called on the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The disruption of media coverage is a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and access to information. MISA Malawi has urged the government to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that journalists are able to cover the elections without any hindrance. The organization has also called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to perform their duties without interference. The incident has raised concerns about the ability of journalists to cover the elections freely and fairly. MISA Malawi has emphasized the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy and good governance. The organization has also reminded the government of its obligations to protect the rights of journalists and ensure that they are able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The disruption of media coverage during Mutharika’s presentation of nomination papers is not an isolated incident. There have been several reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists in Malawi in recent months. MISA Malawi has condemned these incidents and called on the authorities to take action to address the situation. The organization has also urged journalists to remain vigilant and to continue to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The ability of journalists to cover the elections freely and fairly is crucial in promoting transparency and accountability. MISA Malawi has emphasized the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy and good governance. The organization has also reminded the government of its obligations to protect the rights of journalists and ensure that they are able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The incident has raised concerns about the ability of journalists to cover the elections without any hindrance. MISA Malawi has called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to perform their duties without interference. The organization has also urged the government to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that journalists are able to cover the elections without any hindrance. The disruption of media coverage during Mutharika’s presentation of nomination papers is a serious blow to the country’s democratic process. MISA Malawi has emphasized the importance of a free and independent media in promoting democracy and good governance. The organization has also reminded the government of its obligations to protect the rights of journalists and ensure that they are able to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. The incident has raised concerns about the ability of journalists to cover the elections freely and fairly. MISA Malawi has called on all stakeholders, including political parties and their supporters, to respect the rights of journalists and allow them to perform their duties without interference. The organization has also urged the government to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that journalists are able to cover the elections without any hindrance.

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