MAM Leadership Battle: Five Candidates Confirmed for Crucial Chairman Vote

Listen to this article

By Suleman Chitera

The race for the next National Chairman of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) has entered its final stage after five candidates were officially confirmed to contest the influential position ahead of the election scheduled for 26 July 2026.

The leadership contest, which has attracted attention within the Muslim community due to debates surrounding the election process, nomination requirements and participation fees, will be decided by delegates at COMESA Hall in Blantyre.

Sheikh Ali Kennedy, chairperson of the MAM Board of Trustees overseeing the election, confirmed that nominations closed on 10 July 2026 at 4:00pm, with five candidates successfully submitting complete nomination papers.Arafat KB Nkata Withdraws from MAM Chairmanship Race, Endorses Sheikh Omar Nkachelenga

The confirmed candidates are Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad, Sheikh Yusuf Chibwana Taimu, Sheikh Umar Nkachelenga, Dr Imran Shareef Mahomed, and Sheikh Abdul Rahman Arab Allie.

According to Sheikh Kennedy, voting will take place on 26 July starting at 9:00am, when delegates will choose the individual who will lead MAM for the next term.

“The nomination process has been completed and we have five candidates who have successfully submitted their papers,” Sheikh Kennedy told Muslim Media Agency.

Five Candidates, One Leadership Seat

The MAM chairman race has become one of the most closely watched leadership contests within the Muslim community, with discussions focusing on transparency, eligibility and the overall electoral process.MAM Sets K5 Million Nomination Fee for National Chairperson Ahead of Fresh Elections

The contest attracted further debate following concerns over a K5 million fee linked to the election.

Arafat Nkata withdrew from the race over the fee issue, while Adil Chilungo also stepped aside, saying he would continue serving the community through other platforms, including the Muslim Educators Association and the Islamic Finance Technical Team working with the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

Despite the concerns, election officials have maintained that the process remains valid and that all qualified candidates have been given an equal opportunity to compete.

Delegates to Choose Next MAM Leader

Addressing questions about the voting process, Sheikh Kennedy said all candidates were aware of the delegates eligible to vote because nomination forms were signed and endorsed by those same individuals.Analysis: MAM’s K5 Million Nomination Fee Raises Stakes in High-Profile Leadership Contest

He said the final decision would be made by delegates during the election, with each voter having the freedom to support a candidate of their choice.

The election comes at an important time for MAM, an organisation that represents Malawi’s Muslim community and plays a role in religious affairs, education, social development and community initiatives.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide strong leadership, promote unity and guide the association in addressing issues affecting Muslims across the country.

Assurance of a Free and Fair Choice

Sheikh Kennedy has previously assured delegates that they will not face any punishment or exclusion based on their preferred candidate.

He stressed that voting is a personal right and that every delegate is free to make their own decision.POWER PLAY IN MAM: Concerned Muslims Endorse Candidates as Fresh Elections Ignite Leadership Battle

“It’s their right, it’s their choice,” he said.

With nominations now closed, attention has shifted to COMESA Hall in Blantyre, where delegates will decide who will become the next National Chairman of the Muslim Association of Malawi.

The 26 July election is expected to conclude a highly discussed leadership transition and determine the future direction of one of Malawi’s major religious organisations.