By Burnett Munthali

In a recent gathering of opposition parties, including the United Transformation Movement (UTM), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), prominent political figure Shadrick Namalomba raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process in Malawi. He specifically called for the resignation of Annabel Mtalimanja, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), citing a need for reform and transparency in the upcoming elections.

• High Court Rules Against TotalEnergies in K824 Billion Fuel Refund Case
  Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter The High Court’s Commercial Division in Lilongwe has ruled that Prima Fuels Limited and the Malawi Government are entitled to recover billions of kwacha in fuel supply refunds from TotalEnergies Marketing Limited, marking a major development in one of the country’s biggest commercial disputes. The ruling concerns…
• Parliament Passes ESOMA Bill to Regulate Economics Profession in Malawi
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Parliament has passed the Economics Society of Malawi (ESOMA) Bill, paving the way for the establishment of an independent professional body that will register, regulate and discipline economists in the country. Presenting the bill, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Joseph Mwanamvekha said the economics profession in…
• American Pilot Fined K3 Million for Illegal Landing at Bakili Muluzi International Airport
  Share Listen to this article By Staff Reporter BLANTYRE – A Blantyre Magistrate’s Court has fined an American pilot K3 million for illegally landing an aircraft at Bakili Muluzi International Airport without the required authorization.KIA staff houses faces encroachment by land buyers The pilot, identified as Terry Lee Jenningson, was convicted of breaching Malawi’s aviation…
• Msaka Urges Graduates to Drive Malawi’s Industrialisation
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera THYOLO — Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka has challenged graduates of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to use science, technology and innovation to accelerate Malawi’s industrialisation and economic transformation. Speaking as Guest of Honour during the university’s 7th Congregation held on…
• Mixed emotions at NBM plc watch party as Scorchers reach WAFCON Quarter-finals
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Supporters who gathered at AJ’s Lounge in Blantyre for a National Bank of Malawi (NBM) watch party experienced an emotional rollercoaster on Wednesday as Malawi’s Scorchers secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The event, organised by NBM plc, brought football fans together…
• NBM plc backs BAM Conference with K15 million
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K15 million towards the Banker Association of Malawi (BAM) 11th Annual Bankers Lake Conference, scheduled from 20 to 23 August 2026 at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. Under the theme ‘Industrialization: A Catalyst for Economic Renewal,’ the conference aims…
• Malawi to Recruit 500 Nurses for Jobs in Israel as Labour Partnership Expands
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Malawi is set to begin recruiting 500 nurses to work in Israel as the two countries strengthen bilateral labour cooperation, marking a significant expansion of employment opportunities beyond the agricultural sector. Malawi’s Head of Mission to Israel, David Bisnowaty, disclosed the development in an interview in Tel…
• NBM plc takes business Journalists on learning tour to Botswana
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Stock Exchange listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has taken 10 business journalists from various media houses in the country on an educational tour of Botswana aimed at strengthening business and financial reporting in Malawi. The tour forms part of the bank’s ongoing media…
• Mutharika Hails Scorchers’ Historic WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinal Qualification
  Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The First Lady, Gertrude Mutharika, has congratulated the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers, for securing a historic place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, describing the achievement as a proud moment that has inspired millions of Malawians.…

Namalomba’s remarks reflect the growing discontent among opposition parties regarding the conduct of the MEC. He stated that it is essential for the electoral body to be led by individuals who prioritize the needs of the citizens rather than their interests. “The leadership of MEC must be accountable and free from any conflicts of interest. If the current chairperson cannot ensure that, then it is time for a change,” Namalomba asserted.

Furthermore, Namalomba emphasized the importance of appointing a new leadership that would oversee the electoral process with integrity and fairness. He proposed that the selection of a new MEC chairperson should involve a transparent process with the participation of reputable organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This suggestion underscores the need for external oversight to ensure that the electoral process is free from manipulation and bias.

“The upcoming elections are too critical to be handled by individuals who are not fully committed to serving the Malawian people. We need a commission that is impartial and capable of conducting elections that reflect the true will of the people,” Namalomba stated.

The call for Mtalimanja’s resignation comes amid ongoing concerns about the MEC’s ability to manage the electoral process effectively. Opposition leaders have expressed their fears that without significant changes in leadership and operation, the upcoming elections may not be fair or credible. This sentiment has fueled discussions about potential reforms needed within the electoral commission to restore public confidence in the electoral system.

As the political climate in Malawi heats up in anticipation of the 2025 elections, the opposition’s demands for accountability and transparency are becoming increasingly prominent. The call for new leadership at the MEC is part of a broader effort to ensure that the electoral process is conducted fairly, allowing all citizens to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

In conclusion, Shadrick Namalomba’s demand for the resignation of MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja highlights the urgent need for electoral reforms in Malawi. The opposition’s insistence on appointing leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people is crucial for ensuring that the upcoming elections are credible and reflect the will of the Malawian citizens. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these calls for change will impact the electoral process in the lead-up to 2025.