By Wezzie Gausi:
The Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) is concluding the nomination process for presidential candidates today, ahead of the highly anticipated general election on September 16, 2025.
Only two contenders, independent Smart Swira and incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, who is the torchbearer for the governing Malawi Congress Party, are expected to submit their nomination papers before the deadline.
Since the process kicked off last Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, 18 aspiring candidates have presented their nominations.
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However, three were turned away for failing to meet key requirements, while two others—Cassim Chilumpha of the Assembly for Democracy and Development, and Dalitso Chauluka, who sought to represent the People’s Progressive Movement—have since withdrawn from the race.
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During a media briefing yesterday, Mec Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja expressed satisfaction with the progress of the process, despite some setbacks.
“We have seen a diverse range of Malawians come forward with different visions for the country. This is the essence of democracy. The commission has acted professionally in screening candidates and ensuring compliance,” Mtalimanja said.
Yesterday, four candidates appeared before the commission.
First was Michael Usi of the Odya Zake Party, who submitted his nomination papers alongside his running mate, Grace Nazitwere. Usi described the moment as a call to serve.
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“We are here to restore the dignity of the people. Grace and I represent new leadership, and we are ready…
“These are elections, and eventually, there will be one winner. It is important that all of us competing for the presidency bear that in mind,” Usi said.
At 11:00am, Jordan Sauti of the Patriotic Citizens Party filed his nomination, accompanied by his running mate, Timothy Kayendera.
Sauti said his party would focus on social welfare and empowering young people through education and enterprise.
“This is a serious mission. Malawi is tired of recycled promises and political drama. We are offering a practical alternative,” he said.
Later in the day, David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party submitted his papers, with activist Edward Kambanje as his running mate.
Mbewe, who had previously failed to turn up, apparently due to attending a funeral, called for economic justice and religious tolerance.
“During my tenure, I will create a million jobs and ensure the eradication of poverty in this country. That is possible because the resources are there,” Mbewe declared.
He also highlighted the urgent need to tackle unemployment, especially among the youth, which remains a significant challenge in Malawi.
Addressing concerns about his dual roles, Mbewe reassured Malawians that his position as a church prophet would not interfere with his political duties.
“Everyone is political by nature, just as everyone has a life outside the church. I will ensure that my political career does not interfere with my responsibilities within the church,” he said.
Independent Thoko Manyika Banda also successfully presented his nomination papers, insisting that he had come to rescue Malawi from the suffering people are experiencing.
Once again, Mtalimanja urged political parties and their leaders to refrain from inciting violence during the campaign period and to comply with the election code of conduct, which all of them had signed.
“I urge political parties to ensure their supporters turn out in large numbers to vote in the upcoming elections and to avoid any violence,” she said.
Mtalimanja confirmed that three presidential hopefuls were sent back after failing to meet the required documentation.
“We provided guidance on what is required. Some have expressed interest in returning next election cycle,” she said, implying the candidates, who had since been given up to today to correct the defects in their submissions, had chosen not to resubmit.
After the submissions are completed today, Mec will begin verifying all submitted documents before publishing the final list of approved presidential candidates ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, despite initial efforts to form strategic alliances, all potential partnerships have unravelled ahead of and during the nomination presentations.
With key negotiations falling apart and trust issues arising, the major candidates are now left to campaign solo.
According to observers, this shift has significantly altered the dynamics, with a runoff election now highly likely as the chances of any one candidate clinching the 50 per cent plus one vote benchmark are slim.
