Patience Kavalo
General elections provide citizens with the opportunity to elect leaders into office who will shape policies affecting their lives.
But how do these elections impact the education sector, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa?
This question was explored in a webinar organized by Kuyenda Collective and CESC Mozambique, on Friday 7th March, 2025 under the theme: Elections in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi: Impact, Challenges, and Opportunities for the Education Sector.
Rural Youth Collectives from the three countries, who participated as panelists, shared their perspectives on the dual role of elections. They provided an opportunity for students to learn about democracy, and their role in electing leaders, while also disrupting the quality of education.
The panelists highlighted several challenges:
- During elections, school premises are used as electoral centers, interrupting teaching and learning.
- When schools are used as voting centers, students are at risk of political violence, leading many to stay home out of fear for their safety.
“Many students stay home for fear of their lives, they feel unsafe and this negatively affects the quality of learning,” said Emelda Mkandawire from Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA), who represented Malawi in the webinar.
Another challenge discussed was the high absenteeism of teachers involved in the electoral process, which further affects learning and quality of education. All panelists noted that school property has been vandalized during elections and that students have been forced to learn in the open as a result.
To address these issues, the panelists recommended that proper security be provided during elections to ensure that school premises are safe for learners. Alternatively, holding elections during long holidays when children are home, to minimize disruption and avoid cases of prolonged post-electoral violence.
The panelists also called for proper budget allocations for the education sector, to ensure availability of quality infrastructure.
Education is the foundation of development, and it’s crucial to safeguard its integrity during times of political change.