By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
As the country heads to September 16, 2025 general elections, some party leaders are making some impractical promises that are also against the laws.
The leaders are telling supporters that they will start fulfilling campaign promises on September 17, 2025, a day after polling, yet election results could be released later than that date.
Whether it is out of ignorance on the law, or a feeling that the audience might be ignorant, but the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Act under Section 98 (i) (a), (b) and (c) stipulates that presidential, parliamentary and local government election results will be announced within eight, fourteen and twenty-one days from the polling day respectively.
Such claims have raised concerns from some quarters.
“Such claims create unnecessary expectations. They also leave some unanswered questions as to whether the speakers are just overzealous or not aware that it is not possible,” said social commentator, Moses Soldier.
He added: “Any leader who wins in an election cannot start working even after the release of the results, because he or she needs to take an oath of office. It is probably one of those campaign sugar coated messages, otherwise it is very doubtful if the results will be officially released before the claimed date.”
On his part, Mzuzu University (Mzuni) social commentator and historian, Chrispin Mphande emphasised the importance of politicians understanding Malawi’s electoral laws.
He noted that while the laws clearly outline the process and time line for announcing election results, the overconfidence of some candidates or parties about their chances of winning makes them forget some laws or realities.
“Based on past elections, results typically trickle in gradually, sometimes even on the day after voting. It is, therefore, laughable to suggest that someone will start delivering just a day after voting. What is important is to relay the right message to their supporters,” said Mphande.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkhutche shared similar concerns, but was quick to point out that some party leaders make such claims to energise their supporters, which can create unrealistic expectations.
“Party supporters must get used to telling their supporters that they will start working after being sworn into office,” Mkhutche advised.
The analysts and social commentators have since called on all serious politicians to be more cautious in their messaging and to respect the electoral process.
Malawi goes to the polls on September 16, 2025 to elect a president, Members of Parliament and Ward Councillors.
A 60-day official campaign period was opened on July 14, 2025 and political leaders and their lieutenants are hitting the road with various campaign messages to win the hearts of the electorates.
