LILONGWE, Malawi — Fourteen candidates have collected nomination papers for Malawi’s presidential election, with David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party becoming the latest to join the race Tuesday, the Malawi Electoral Commission announced, writes Winston Mwale.
The field includes former presidents and political veterans alongside independent candidates vying for the nation’s top office.
Former President Joyce Banda of the People’s Party and Arthur Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party have collected papers, setting up potential comebacks for the ex-leaders.
Incumbent President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party also collected papers as he seeks re-election.
Other major party candidates include Dalitso Kabambe of the UTM party, Kondwani Nankhumwa of the People’s Development Party, and Atupele Austin Muluzi of the United Democratic Front.
The complete list of candidates who have collected papers includes:
Major Party Candidates:
• Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, Malawi Congress Party
• Joyce Banda, People’s Party
• Arthur Peter Mutharika, Democratic Progressive Party
• Dalitso Kabambe, UTM
• Kondwani Nankhumwa, People’s Development Party
• Atupele Austin Muluzi, United Democratic Front
• David Mbewe, Liberation for Economic Freedom Party
• Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, National Development Party
• Kamuzu Walter Chibambo, People’s Transformation Party
• Akwame Bandawe, Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi
Independent Candidates:
• Milward Tobias
• Adil James Chilungo
• Rev. Hardwick Kaliya
• Smart Swira
The commission said candidates can submit papers for pre-inspection at any time, with special inspection days scheduled July 16-23.
Presidential candidates must submit at MEC headquarters in Lilongwe.
“Payment of nomination fees and collection of nomination papers for all the three elections continues until the last day of submission to the MEC, 30 July 2025,” said Sangwani Mwafulirwa, the commission’s director of media and public relations.
All nomination papers must be submitted July 24-30, with presidential candidates presenting at the Bingu International Conference Centre.
The election will include presidential, parliamentary and local government races.
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