By Suleman Chitera

Daniel Dube of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially entered the 2025 presidential race after collecting his nomination papers from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), becoming the 17th presidential hopeful ahead of the September 16 polls.

According to MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Dube collected the papers on Friday after fulfilling the necessary requirement, including the payment of the K10 million nomination fee.

Dube now joins a growing list of political figures who have shown interest in contesting for the country’s top office. The list includes incumbent President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, former presidents Joyce Banda and Arthur Peter Mutharika, and other political heavyweights such as Atupele Austin Muluzi, Dalitso Kabambe, Kondwani Nankhumwa, and Cassim Chilumpha.

Others who have so far collected nomination forms are Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Akwame Bandawe, Reverend Hardwick Kaliya, Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, Kamuzu Walter Chibambo, Smart Swira, David Mbewe, and Cosmas Felix Chipojola.

The race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country’s history, with a mix of veteran politicians, new faces, and independent candidates all vying for the presidency.

MEC is expected to continue receiving nominations until the official closure date, ahead of vetting and campaign rollout.