By Mercy Matonga & Wezzie Gausi:
Major political parties in the country remain tight-lipped about whom they are entering into alliances with ahead of the nomination papers presentation this week.
Speaking in separate interviews with The Daily Times Monday, most of the parties said announcements would be made this week before presenting the papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec), as an official declaration of their intent to contest the presidential election.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala said the party would make its announcement before its leader, Dalitso Kabambe, presents his nomination papers.
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Kabambe is scheduled to submit his papers on Sunday July 27, at 9am.
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The first to present nomination papers to Mec will be People’s Party (PP) leader Joyce Banda, on Thursday July 24.
During the launch of her party’s manifesto in Lilongwe Monday, Banda reaffirmed her intention to contest the election.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) torchbearer Peter Mutharika is expected to present his papers on Friday July 25, while Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF) is scheduled for Saturday July 26.
Vice-President Michael Usi, who also leads the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party, is expected to present his nomination on Tuesday July 29.
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President Lazarus Chakwera, leader of the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP), is set to submit his papers on the final day, Wednesday, July 30.
When asked about the status of a possible alliance, having previously expressed openness to one, Njawala said UTM was taking its time.
“Three days is a lot of days in the political world. Anything can happen. We are going to make an announcement soon,” he said, referring to the start of the nomination process on Thursday.
DPP, through its Secretary General Peter Mukhito, also indicated that the party would soon make its position known.
“Malawians will be notified soon, as announcements will be made before nominations,” Mukhito said, suggesting the party would disclose within the next three days whether it would contest alone or with partners.
PP Secretary General Ben Chakhame said the party was already in an alliance but declined to disclose its partners.
“We are in an alliance and will unveil everything during the presentation this week. We want to keep it as a surprise,” he said.
During the party’s manifesto launch in Lilongwe Monday, George Nnesa of the Malawi Forum for Unity and Development (Mafunde), along with representatives from Freedom Party and People’s Development Party (PDP), were in attendance.
It remained unclear whether their presence signified a formal alliance.
On April 8, 2025, PP, Mafunde, Freedom Party and PDP announced they had agreed to form an alliance ahead of the election.
On his part, UDF’s Dyson Jangiya said the party was still in discussions and would decide soon.
“Not yet, but we believe a coalition will be formed and we will announce it hopefully before nominations,” Jangiya said.
MCP, through its deputy spokesperson Ken Msonda, said the party cannot confirm whether it is currently in talks with any potential alliance partners.
“MCP remains open to forming alliances, but we cannot speculate on whether we will announce one soon or whether any discussions are taking place. At present, we are focused on our campaign and when the time is right, we will inform the public,” Msonda said.
Meanwhile, Usi has reaffirmed his intention to contest the presidency in the September 2025 elections, pledging to offer Malawians hope and practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
Speculation has circulated in recent weeks that he might be considered as running mate to his current boss, President Chakwera.
However, speaking after a political rally held by Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu at Kauma Ground in Lilongwe Monday, Usi said he did not collect nomination papers only to discard them, stressing that he was fully committed to the presidency.
He expressed concern at the high number of presidential aspirants, saying that 19 was too many.
Nevertheless, Usi was quick to add that all candidates had a right to contest for the country’s highest office.
“Our message is about hope. We know what Malawians are going through and we have the solutions. Let us not repay evil with evil. We must campaign with love, humility and integrity. Staying together in harmony is what will move this country forward,” he said.
