United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi and People’s Development Party (PDP) leader Kondwani Nankhumwa have formally declared their intention to contest the presidency in the September 16 General Election.
The two candidates submitted their nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) yesterday at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, affirming their solo bids for the country’s top office.
Their declarations signal a shift in Malawi’s electoral landscape, with both leaders poised to challenge the prevailing political blocs in a bid to appeal directly to the electorate.
Marking his third attempt following previous runs in 2014 and 2019, Muluzi was first to present his papers—effectively silencing speculation that UDF would throw its weight behind another political party.
He said in his speech: “It is a day of answers to questions and the worries that UDF followers have had due to unending rumours intended to confuse our supporters and the nation of Malawi.”
Asked in an interview if reports that he would be a running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera of the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Muluzi insisted that he is a UDF presidential candidate.
“I have always told Malawians that UDF will participate in the election and I will stand as a presidential candidate,” he said.
Muluzi has since named Dr Rex Kalolo as his running mate, describing him as a “fresh face” in the country’s politics but one he has known for the past five years.
“This is time for the young people to attain leadership positions for the country to achieve its development vision. Malawi is not a poor nation, but its governance system is poor,” he said.
On his part, Nankhumwa, who was the second to submit his nomination papers yesterday, said he will win the election.
He unveiled former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) member of Parliament for Balaka West Constituency Bertha Ndebele as his running mate.
Nankhumwa, who previously served as DPP vice-president for the South, was booted out of the party last year, after which he formed his own party, PDP.
Meanwhile, political analyst Enerst Thindwa has said it is necessary for the parties to go it alone to test their strength, adding that will determine their bargaining power should there be a second round of elections.
He said: “It [competing on their own] will help them to know the popularity of their party. How will they know if they don’t compete?”
Independent presidential aspirant Felix Chipojola was the last to present his papers yesterday.
Submission of nomination papers started on Thursday last week and will end on Wednesday when President Lazarus Chakwera, who will lead the MCP, will present his papers.
So far, seven presidential candidates including former president Joyce Banda of People’s Party have submitted their nomination papers.
Dalitso Kabambe of UTM Party, Kwame Bandawe of Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi and independent candidate Revelend Kaliya are set to submit their nomination papers tomorrow.
According to MEC, 22 presidential candidates have collected nominations papers from the electoral body so far.
