By Pemphero Malimba:
The Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) has warned political parties and candidates against using inflammatory language as campaigning begins for the June 30, 2026 by-elections.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, Mec has urged restraint in political messaging.
Mtalimanja said campaigns officially begin today and will run until June 28, 2026, adding that any political activity outside the designated period will be treated as a criminal offence.
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“Stakeholders and aspiring candidates are advised that engaging in campaign-related activities after this period constitutes a criminal offence, and any individual who campaigns outside the designated period will face prosecution,” she said.
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She further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to focus on issue-based campaigns and to ensure that the process remains peaceful.
According to Mec, voter registration will take place from May 12 to 18, 2026.
“I must emphasise that those registering must be eligible voters who did not register for the 2025 General Election and the 17 March 2026 by-elections.
“Those who registered for the 2025 General Election and the 17 March 2026 by-elections, regardless of whether they voted or not, need not register again,” Mtalimanja said.
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The by-elections will be held in Lilongwe City Bwaila and Machinga Mikoko constituencies, as well as Uliwa Ward in Karonga and Kanjuni Ward in Machinga District.
Mec said it will today hold stakeholders’ meetings in the affected areas to formally launch the electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum has called for stronger controls on misinformation, political intimidation and the misuse of state resources.
Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said robust results management and dispute resolution mechanisms are essential to prevent post-election tensions.
taken seriously
He added that the elections must be credible, peaceful and compliant with the law, with equal access for all contestants and impartial administration by Mec.
Centre for Multiparty Democracy Executive Director Boniface Chibwana also called for increased civic engagement, particularly in rural areas, warning that by-elections are often taken less seriously than national polls.
“There is a tendency for people not to participate actively in by-elections. People need to understand that no election is small, and development in the country happens at local level structures.
“Therefore, by-elections must be taken seriously if inclusive and sustainable development is to be realised in this country. Gone are the days when elections were taken seriously only when the presidency was at stake,” he said.
In Lilongwe City Bwaila Constituency, the vacancy arose after the electoral process was nullified during the 2025 parliamentary elections.
In Machinga Mikoko Constituency, the seat fell vacant following the death of Member of Parliament Jaffalie Mussa on February 27, 2026.
In Uliwa Ward in Karonga South Constituency, Councillor Hawkins Munthali of the People’s Party died on March 23, 2026, while in Kanjuni Ward in Machinga Central East Constituency, Councillor Simplex Admson Diwa of the Democratic Progressive Party died on March 29, 2026.
