CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: MEDIA COVERAGE AND BROADCASTING OF THE 2025 MALAWI PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES

Introduction

The Presidential Debates Taskforce, a non-partisan multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives from media, government, civil society, and other sectors, invites media houses to express their interest in covering or broadcasting the 2025 Malawi Presidential Debates. These debates aim to enhance citizen participation in the democratic process by providing a platform for candidates to articulate their plans on critical national policies and issues, fostering engagement between Malawians and presidential candidates.

Debate Details

 Dates and Times:

o First Debate: 21 August 2025, 18:00 – 20:00

o Second Debate: 29 August 2025, 18:00 – 20:00

o Final Debate: 4 September 2025, 18:00 – 20:00

 Location: Bingu International Convention Centre, Main Auditorium, Lilongwe

 Organizers: The Presidential Debates Taskforce

Opportunities for Media Houses

1. Broadcasting:

o The Presidential Debates Taskforce will provide a clean feed of the debate recordings to approved broadcasters.

o Broadcasters must air the debates in their entirety without alterations, edits, or modifications to the content provided by the Taskforce.

o Interested media houses must confirm their technical capacity to receive and broadcast the clean feed.

2. Media Coverage:

o Accredited media houses will receive press passes for on-site coverage of the debates.

o A dedicated Spin Room will be available post-debate for candidates to interact with reporters, providing opportunities for interviews and in-depth reporting.

o Media houses are encouraged to engage with candidates and attendees to amplify public discourse on the debates.

Eligibility Criteria

 Must be a registered media house operating in Malawi or an international media organization with a proven interest in covering Malawian political processes.

 Must commit to adhering to the Taskforce’s guidelines, including the prohibition on altering the provided debate recordings.

 Must demonstrate technical capacity to broadcast the clean feed (for broadcasters) or professional standards for on-site reporting (for press covering the event).

 Must be affiliated with the Media Council of Malawi and show a commitment to comply with the Media Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Application Process

Interested media houses are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the following details:

1. Name and registration details of the media house.

2. Type of coverage requested: Broadcasting, on-site reporting, or both.

3. For broadcasters: Confirmation of technical capacity to receive and air the clean feed without modifications.

4. For press: Details of the reporting team (number of personnel, roles, and equipment needs).

5. A brief statement (maximum 300 words) outlining the media house’s plan to promote public engagement with the debates and commitment to ethical reporting.

Submission Deadline: 13 August 2025, 17:00 CAT Submission Method: Email your EOI as a PDF attachment to namisamoderator@gmail.com with the subject line: “EOI – 2025 Presidential Debates Media Coverage”. Contact for Queries: For clarification, contact the Presidential Debates Taskforce at namisamoderator@gmail.com or Golden Matonga; +265996169705.

Selection and Accreditation

 The Taskforce will review EOIs and select media houses based on eligibility, capacity, and commitment to promoting democratic engagement.

 Successful applicants will be notified by 15 August 2025 and provided with accreditation details or broadcasting instructions.

 Accredited media houses will receive press passes and access to the Spin Room, subject to compliance with Taskforce guidelines.

Important Notes

 The Presidential Debates Taskforce reserves the right to revoke accreditation or broadcasting rights for non-compliance with guidelines, including unauthorized alterations to the debate feed.

 Media houses are expected to uphold the non-partisan nature of the debates and adhere to ethical journalism standards.

 Media houses will cover any other costs related to broadcasting or covering the debates while the Taskforce will coordinate the provision of a clean feed (video and audio) to broadcasting houses and high definition pictures from the debates in real time.

We look forward to partnering with media houses to amplify the voices of Malawi’s presidential candidates and foster informed public discourse during the 2025 Presidential Debates.

Malawi Presidential Debates Taskforce

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Membership

1. Media Institute for Southern Africa (NAMISA) – Chairperson

2. The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) – Vice Chairperson

3. Joab Frank Chakhaza – Technical Advisor

4. Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) – Member

5. Malawi Law Society (MLS) – Member

6. Public Affairs Committee (PAC) – Member

7. Media Council of Malawi (MCM) – Member

8. NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) – Member

9. National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) – Member