THE BATTLE FOR MALAWI'S PRESDENCY: 17 CANDIDATES FIGHTS FOR THE CITY

By: YANKHO THENGO

Malawi's upcoming presidential election

As Malawi's presidential elections draws near, 17 candidates are fighting for the victory.

On 14th July, The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially launched the 2025 general election campaign period, which will run up to September 14.

The Malawi Electoral Commission received a total of 20 nominations for the position of President. Following a complete review process in line with the relevant electoral laws and regulations, 17 candidates have been confirmed as having met all the requirements for valid nomination. Three nominations, however, did not meet the prescribed criteria and have therefore not been approved.

Missing on the list are independent aspirant Revelend Hadwick Kaliya, Nationalist Patriotic Party torchbearer Daniel Dube and Liberation for Economic Freedom Party president Prophet David Mbewe.

The approved candidates are former president Joyce Banda (People’s Party), President Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi Congress Party), Dalitso Kabambe (UTM Party), former president Peter Mutharika (Democratic Progressive Party), Atupele Muluzi (United Democratic Front), Chibambo, Frank Mwenifumbo of National Development Party(NDP), Vice-President Michael Usi (Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu), Jordan Sauti of Patriotic Citizens Party, Akwame Bandawe of Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi (AAA) and Kondwani Nankhumwa of People’s Development Party (PDP).

Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Smart Swira, Cosmas Felix Chipojola, Pemphero Mvula and Thokozani Manyika Banda who are independent candidates are also in the race.

Each candidate are bringing their unique strengths, and weaknesses of other parties to the table, making this election a complex and interesting contest.

The Malawi Electoral commission says the wining party should get 50+1 percent of the votes. This has brought high competition in terms of campaigning. It is obvious that every candidate want to win but will they going to manage the 50+1?

Mayeselo Mughogho, a final year student, persuing Language Communication and Culture (LCC) at Malawi University of science and Technology (MUST), says that Competition of parties is based on the followers or supporters, in his speech he says that there is huge competition between MCP and DPP since they have a better number of followers across all regions in Malawi.

“It’s difficult for me to predict the winner on 16 September elections, with the 50+1 voting system.  I don't think if a single political party can manage to reach 50 + 1, No. Unless if the party has formed an alliance with other parties", he said.

He also continued by saying that the Failure of the political parties to achieve 50+1 majority may led to  tension among political leaders, as they may suspect each other of potential election fraud.

Malawi is expecting to have general elections on 16 September 2025. All citizens are encouraged to take part during this presidential elections and are responsible to choose the right president.