‘Start primaries on time’
Two weeks into the election year, our Staff Writer JAMES CHAVULA engages Malawi Electoral Commission spokesperson SANGWANI MWAFULIRWA on the year’s hottest topic—how political parties nominate their candidates. Excerpts:

Q: The election year is here. How prepared is MEC to deliver credible polls come September 16?
A: We are fully committed to delivering a credible, transparent and inclusive election this year. Preparations are well underway, focusing on key areas to ensure the process earns the trust of all stakeholders. This year, there are several critical activities to be done. We will run supplementary voter registration, then open centres for transfers, then print the register and open centres for inspection. We will also run the nomination process, then campaign and polling. It is a loaded year. As a commission, we are all set to ensure all activities are implemented on time and professionally to the satisfaction of all electoral stakeholders. We are also intensifying stakeholder engagement, fostering transparency and collaboration with political parties, civil society and the media.
Q: Last year, how does MEC view the political temperature given political violence witnessed last year?
A: We acknowledge that the challenges posed by political violence and hate speech in the lead-up to elections can undermine trust in the democratic process. The commission views the current political temperature as a call to action for all stakeholders to promote peaceful dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect ahead of the 2025 General Election. To ensure the elections are peaceful, credible, free and fair, MEC believes it will require a collective effort from political leaders, citizens, civil society, the media and security agencies. Political parties must adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct, denounce violence and ensure their supporters act responsibly. We will also intensify voter education campaigns to foster a culture of peaceful participation and help citizens reject hate speech and violence.
Q: Soon, various political parties will be holding primary elections. How important are these in-house elections to the electoral process?
A: Primary elections are a vital component of the electoral process as they determine the candidates who will represent political parties in the general election. They are not only a reflection of internal party democracy, but also a critical step in fostering transparency, accountability and fairness within the political system. Through primary elections, political parties give their members and structures an opportunity to select the best candidates. This process strengthens the credibility of parties by ensuring that candidates are chosen in a democratic and participatory manner. Well-managed primaries can also minimise internal conflicts and disputes, as they provide a structured avenue for resolving competition among aspiring candidates. The candidates emerging from free and fair primaries are more likely to inspire confidence among voters, increasing public trust in both the party and the democratic process. However, primary elections are not a requirement under any electoral law and parties conduct them based on their constitutions and regulations. Parties are free to use other means of identifying candidates as they deem fit.
Q: We have seen MEC staff managing elections during party conventions. Are you able to do the same during primary elections?
A:No. MEC does not manage primary elections for political parties. The commission occasionally facilitates electoral processes during party conventions upon request. We render these balloting services as part of our social responsibility of adding credibility to the processes by which party leaders assume positions. However, primary elections are an internal party activity guided by parties’ internal rules. As such, it is the sole responsibility of political parties to organise, manage and oversee how they identify their candidates. Moreover, there are 21 political parties, 229 constituencies and 509 wards. The commission cannot stretch its staff that wide while pursuing our mandate of holding a credible general election.
Q: In view of the electoral calendar, what is the right time for political parties to start holding primary elections?
A:Political parties should hold their primary elections within a timeframe that aligns with the electoral calendar and the timelines for nomination processes. While MEC does not dictate specific dates for party primaries, it strongly advises political parties to conduct these elections well before the official nomination period. This allows sufficient time for parties to resolve any disputes that may arise during the primaries, ensuring they present candidates who are fully prepared and compliant with the requirements for nomination. This will help them to avoid delays or disqualification of candidates. We will not extend the nomination period just because some political parties were not ready with candidates. Ultimately, the timing of primary elections is critical for ensuring a smooth and efficient electoral process and MEC urges parties to act proactively, responsibly and in full compliance with the country’s electoral laws.
Q:When will MEC receive nomination papers from aspiring candidates?
A:: According to the electoral calendar released by the commission, payment of nomination fees and collection of nomination papers for presidential, parliamentary and local government elections will start in April 2025. Presentation of nomination papers for local government will be in May 2025. For presidential and parliamentary elections, it will be in June 2025.
Q: What advice can you give to parties they gear up to conduct primary elections to identify candidates?
A: As political parties prepare to conduct primary elections, they should align their screening processes with the provisions of the law on eligibility to contest, apart from the criteria set by the party. If a person is not a registered voter, there is no reason for them participate in primary elections.
When they present nomination papers, MEC will not allow them to contest. Parties must strictly adhere to their constitutions and internal regulations, as these provide the framework for fairness and legitimacy. Bypassing or ignoring these rules can lead to disputes that undermine the credibility of the primaries and the party as a whole.