By Suleman Chitera
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and peaceful elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Saturday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale Mtalimanja assured Malawians that the Commission is fully prepared and has put in place all necessary measures to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Campaign Period Officially Ends
Mtalimanja announced that the official campaign period will end on September 14 at 6:00 a.m. She stressed that all campaign-related activities—including rallies, promotional events, musical shows, and political advertisements—must cease once the deadline passes.
“Any form of campaigning after the deadline will be considered illegal. Media houses must also stop airing campaign songs or political messages once the campaign period officially ends,” she warned.
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She urged all political parties to wrap up their campaigns within the given timeframe to avoid violating electoral laws.
Voting Procedures Outlined
The MEC Chairperson confirmed that voting will start at 6:00 a.m. sharp on election day, beginning with MEC staff, security personnel, and other essential officials who will assist in facilitating the voting process.
She emphasized that only polling staff, accredited security officers, and designated officials will be allowed to vote at their assigned polling stations. However, political staff and security officers who wish to vote outside their constituencies must apply to constituency returning officers no later than September 15, 2025.
Deployment of Staff and Ballot Papers
Mtalimanja also disclosed that the deployment of polling staff and the dispatch of ballot papers to all polling centres will be completed by Sunday.
In addition, political parties and accredited observers have been invited to send their representatives starting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. to oversee the verification of polling stations and electoral materials. Any discrepancies must be reported before polling day.
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Appeal to Employers
The MEC Chairperson encouraged employers across Malawi to adopt flexible work shifts or grant employees time off on election day to ensure maximum voter participation.
“By supporting workers to vote without facing scheduling conflicts, employers can play a vital role in strengthening Malawi’s democracy and ensuring that every citizen has the chance to make their voice heard,” Mtalimanja said.
Commitment to Peaceful Elections
MEC has pledged vigilance throughout the electoral process and warned that appropriate action will be taken against anyone violating electoral laws.
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With the campaign period coming to an end and preparations in their final stages, all eyes are now on the Malawi Electoral Commission to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
