By Burnett Munthali
Independent presidential hopeful Reverend Hardwick Kaliya arrived at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Sunday, 27th July 2025, to officially submit his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
This marked a significant milestone in his bid for the presidency in the September 16 General Election.
Kaliya, known for his previous run in the 2019 elections as an independent, reaffirmed his commitment to offer Malawians an alternative voice untethered to mainstream party politics.
His arrival was characterized by calm but determined energy, reflecting his grassroots approach to leadership and governance.
Reverend Kaliya was accompanied by a small delegation of supporters and campaign officials, all united behind his vision of integrity, transparency, and citizen-centered development.
This submission follows a minor setback earlier in the week when his nomination papers were returned by MEC due to issues surrounding the documentation of his original running mate.
Having resolved the issue by appointing Theresa Sigele Kagona as his new running mate, Kaliya ensured that the paperwork met all legal and procedural requirements.
The Malawi Electoral Commission received and acknowledged the nomination, pending final verification and acceptance.
Reverend Kaliya’s entry into the race intensifies the presidential contest, bringing attention to independent candidates’ growing role in shaping Malawi’s democratic space.
With his nomination now successfully submitted, Reverend Kaliya can focus on campaigning across the country and presenting his policy platform to voters.
His message continues to center on social justice, good governance, and breaking the cycle of recycled leadership that has hindered Malawi’s progress.
As the campaign period unfolds, Reverend Hardwick Kaliya’s candidacy is poised to attract attention from voters seeking principled, independent leadership that puts the people first.
