Political analysts have said the large number of presidential aspirants in the September 16 General Election, will make it harder for candidates to attain the 50 + 1 requirement to win the polls.
So far, four out of 21 aspirants have already presented their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), demonstrating their commitment to run in election. The presentation of nomination papers is continuing until Wednesday, July 30.
Meanwhile, political analysts have warned the aspirants to brace for an intense race, saying that the large number of candidates will make it difficult for them to get a 50+1 majority.
In an interview, political analyst Mavuto Bamusi said the big number of candidates will not only split the votes, but also increase election expenses.
“Sadly, the tax payer will shoulder increased election expenditure, as it is more likely that the presidential election may not yield a winner in the first round, which will require voters to go for a second round of voting,” he said.
Another political analyst, Chimwemwe Chitsi, concurred that the 50+1 election system, combined with the lack of a formidable electoral alliance, makes a second round voting highly likely.
However, he noted that a strong campaign could lead to a surprise win for the frontrunners like Malawi Congress Party (MCP) torchbearer Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the incumbent State President, and main opposition Democratic Progressive Party candidate Arthur Peter Mutharika.
On his part, political commentator Wonderful Mkhutche argued that only a few major parties such as the MCP, DPP and the UTM Party have a realistic chance of winning.
“The competition will be among MCP, DPP and UTM Party. The other parties and independent candidates will have to share insignificant votes,” he said.
Weighing in, seasoned political analyst Dr. Nandini Patel noted that parties with a history of power and parliamentary representation will be the frontrunners.
She called on voters to make informed choices based on political party manifestos and candidates’ stances on economic and democratic governance.
The 50+1 electoral system was first applied in the 2020 court-sanctioned presidential election when the Tonse Alliance, comprising MCP, UTM Party and seven other political parties, carried the day.
