The ground is set. The waiting is over. As Malawi’s official campaign season opens tomorrow ahead of the September 16 General Election, major political parties have signaled they will contest the polls independently—offering no indication of alliances or collective policy platforms.
The campaign launch, scheduled for the Bingu International Convention Centre (Bicc) in Lilongwe, marks the start of a crucial election period running through September 14 2025—just 48 hours shy of the polling day.
In interviews conducted this week, spokesperson of several parties told Nation on Sunday that they would campaign under their individual banners, with most still tight-lipped about launch dates.
The Alliance for Democracy (Aford), through its spokesperson Annie Maluwa, said the party would promote a peaceful and issue-driven campaign focused on governance accountability, economic reform, and social justice.
“We are confident that by focusing on policies and promoting a positive campaign, we can inspire Malawians to engage meaningfully with the electoral process,” she said.
People’s Party (PP) secretary general Ben Chakhame echoed a similar tone: “We promote issue-based politics—providing solutions, not personal attacks.”
People’s Development Party spokesperson Rhodes Msonkho reinforced their peaceful stance: “Since registration, our leadership has advocated unity and nonviolence. That’s what Malawians deserve.”
Despite efforts to reach out, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said he needed more time to consult.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda was unavailable while the party’s spokesperson Jessie Kabwila could not be reached.
Similar silence came from United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi and the party’s spokesperson Dyson Jangia, as well as leaders of the National Development Party and People’s Transformation Party.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed that contesting parties are expected to sign a code of conduct, barring them from engaging in political violence during the campaign.
However, political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche warned that enforcement must be impartial.
“The President must act as a statesman—not just a party leader. Unity or division lies in his ability to lead for all Malawians,” he said.
In June, Youth and Society executive director Charles Kajoloweka petitioned President Lazarus Chakwera to act on rising political tensions.
“We’ve received no formal response. What matters now is his action—starting with the dismissal of the Minister of Homeland Security and the Inspector General of Police,” he said.
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya assured Malawians that security measures are in place.
“We’ve already supported registration and verification. We’ll maintain safety during the campaign too,” he said, calling on political players and youths to behave responsibly.
