By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced that the number of individuals vying for the presidency in the forthcoming 2025 General Election has now reached 19.
This development follows the collection of nomination papers by Jordan Sauti, the leader of the Patriotic Citizens Party (PCP), who has officially signaled his intention to contest in the September 16 presidential race.
MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, confirmed the update, emphasizing that the Commission continues to facilitate the process in a transparent and orderly manner ahead of the official nomination period.
The collection of nomination papers marks an important step for aspiring candidates, as it signals their commitment to fulfilling all legal and administrative requirements set by the electoral body.
With this latest addition, the presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Malawi’s democratic history, attracting both seasoned political figures and new entrants determined to challenge the status quo.
The current list of presidential hopefuls includes high-profile names such as incumbent President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), former President Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and former Vice President Atupele Austin Muluzi of the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Other notable contenders are Dalitso Kabambe of the UTM, Joyce Banda of the People’s Party (PP), and independent candidates such as Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, and Smart Swira, among others.
The increase in the number of presidential aspirants reflects a growing appetite for political competition and citizen engagement in shaping Malawi’s governance trajectory.
Mwafulirwa further reminded all stakeholders that the presentation of nomination papers for all categories—presidential, parliamentary, and local government—will take place from July 24 to July 30, 2025.
Presidential candidates will present their nomination papers at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, while parliamentary and local government aspirants will submit theirs to their respective Constituency Returning Officers.
The Commission has also designated July 16 to July 23 as the period for pre-inspection of nomination papers, allowing candidates to ensure that their documents meet all the required standards before formal submission.
Payment of nomination fees and collection of nomination papers will continue until July 30, the final day for submissions, though MEC offices will remain closed on weekends and public holidays.
With only weeks left before the official campaign period begins, the political atmosphere is already charged as parties and independents gear up for a highly contested election season.
Observers believe that this crowded presidential field could lead to one of the most unpredictable and closely watched elections since Malawi embraced multiparty democracy in 1994.
