By Suleman Chitera
Phunziro Mvula has become the 20th independent presidential aspirant to collect nomination papers from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), as the race for the country’s presidency heats up ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, confirmed the development in a statement released this evening, highlighting the growing number of individuals vying for the top seat.
Mvula joins a long list of presidential hopefuls who have already collected nomination forms, including prominent figures such as Lazarus Chakwera, Peter Mutharika, Joyce Banda, Atupele Muluzi, and Kondwani Nankhumwa. Others on the list are Milward Tobias, Adil James Chilungo, Akwame Bandawe, Reverend Hardwick Kaliya, Frank Mwenifumbo, Dalitso Kabambe, Kamuzu Chibambo, Smart Swira, David Mbewe, Cassim Chilumpha, Cosmas Chipojola, Daniel Dube, Michael Usi, and Jordan Sauti.
With the nomination period still open, the high number of aspirants reflects the intense political interest surrounding this year’s elections, widely expected to be one of the most competitive in Malawi’s democratic history.
