Political scientist Boniface Dulani has warned the country’s political parties against solely focusing on electoral alliances as a key to victory in the September 16 2025 General Elections.
Making a presentation at a multi-stakeholder dialogue organised by Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) in Lilongwe yesterday, the Afrobarometer research director said it is important for parties to fulfil the conditions outlined in the Political Parties Act of 2018 such as holding conventions and securing at least one seat in Parliament to avoid deregistration.
Dulani, who is also University of Malawi (Unima) associate professor of political science, said that while parties may be eager to join grand alliances, they risk appearing as having not participated in the elections themselves.
He said: “When one registers as a candidate for elections, even though they are in an alliance, they are registered as a candidate for a party. They don’t register as an alliance candidate.
“So, for a party that simply says we are part of this grand alliance and will support their presidential, parliamentary or councillor candidates, they would not be seen to have participated and would fail to meet the conditions of the Act.”
Commenting on factors that may affect the 2025 elections, Dulani cited inflation, which stood at 34.3 percent as of September 2024, unemployment, foreign exchange shortages and poverty and destitution.
He said: “The perception among Malawians is that corruption has been persistently increasing. This may lead people to believe that all politicians, regardless of their party affiliations, are the same and corrupt.”
In her address, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said that the strength of any electoral process lies in the collective effort of all stakeholders and that collaboration must go beyond mere rhetoric and be rooted in good faith, mutual respect, a shared vision, and a deep commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
On his part, DWF regional director and chief of party for political parties elections support programme Augustine Magolowondo said that the September 2025 elections are not just about choosing leaders but also about affirming the values of democracy, civic engagement, and the rights of citizens to have their voices heard.
The dialogue sought to reflect on past electoral processes and identify strategies for improving electoral integrity.
