Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has set August 8 as the deadline for gazetting the final list of presidential candidates in the September 16 General Election.
The electoral body’s chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja confirmed the timeline on Wednesday in Lilongwe when the commission concluded the seven-day nomination period which saw 20 out of 22 presidential aspirants formally submitting their nomination papers.
“We will critically and thoroughly assess all the supporting documents, affidavits and endorsements. Only those who have satisfied the conditions of eligibility will be confirmed and included on the ballot,” she said.
Mtalimanja, a judge of the High Court of Malawi, advised candidates wishing to withdraw from the race to do so before the deadline.
She added: “Any death or incapacitation after that date will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
To date, two candidates, namely former vice-president Cassim Chilumpha of Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD) and Dalitso Chauluka of the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) have withdrawn their candidacy.
Of the remaining 20, the country’s former president Joyce Banda, now leading People’s Party, is the only female aspirant. She will face incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party, Dalitso Kabambe of UTM Party, former president Peter Mutharika of Democratic Progressive Party, Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front and Kamuzu Chibambo of People’s Transformation party.
Other candidates are Daniel Dube of National Patriotic Party, Frank Mwenifumbo of National Development Party, Vice-President Michael Usi heading Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, David Mbewe of Liberation for Economic Freedom Party, Jordan Sauti of Patriotic Citizens Party, Akwame Bandawe of Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi and Kondwani Nankhumwa of People’s Development Party.
The race also has independent candidates, namely Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Revelend Hardwick Kaliya, Smart Swira, Cosmas Felix Chipojola, Pemphero Mvula and Thokozani Manyika Banda.
On her part, Mtalimanja has urged all candidates to maintain peace and uphold the electoral code of conduct as the campaign period progresses.
“Let every rally, door-to-door campaign and political message carry a tone of unity, not division. Let us show the world that democracy in Malawi is mature, participatory and peaceful,” she said.
Mtalimanja reiterated that MEC is committed to deliver free, fair, credible and inclusive elections. She urged all citizens to continue engaging constructively as the country heads toward polling day.
Speaking ahead of the nomination process, various political and legal pundits highlighted the need for all players to act within the framework of a new package of electoral laws.
Human rights lawyer Khwima Mchizi stressed the need for all duty bearers to carry out their duties independently, saying any deviation from the law could disrupt everything that has taken long to organise.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has said he is looking forward to an issue-based campaign where the candidates and their followers abstain from name calling and mudslinging, but focus on how to deal with the country’s challenges.
