By Suleman Chitera

MEC Rules Out Running Mate Changes in Presidential Election Re-Runo

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has clarified that political parties will not be allowed to change their running mates in the event of a presidential election re-run, even if they form new alliances.

MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa made the remarks on Tuesday during a media training workshop on election reporting, organized by Gazette Media for members of the Bwaila Media Club in Lilongwe.

He explained that a re-run would only take place if no candidate secures the required 50 percent plus one majority in the first round of voting. In such a scenario, the top two candidates would contest in the second round, but their original running mates would remain unchanged.

“The law does not permit changing running mates ahead of a re-run, regardless of any new political alliances that may be formed,” Mwafulirwa said. “The only exceptions are in cases of death, disqualification, or incapacitation of the original running mate.”

Mwafulirwa’s statement comes as political speculation grows over possible coalition-building ahead of the 2025 general elections. In 2020, the Constitutional Court ordered that a winning presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote, a ruling that has reshaped Malawi’s electoral landscape.

The clarification is expected to guide political parties as they strategize for potential run-offs, ensuring they remain compliant with the country’s electoral laws.