Malawi Electoral Commission Initiates Official Campaign Period for September 16 Elections
The Malawi Electoral Commission has officially commenced the campaign period for the general elections set to take place on September 16.
This launch occurs amidst increasing political tensions and incidents of violence within the country.
As stated by the commission, approximately 7.2 million Malawians are registered to participate in this seventh general election, marking a significant milestone since the nation transitioned from a one-party system to a multiparty democracy in 1993.
During the launch event held in Lilongwe, Annabel Mtalimanja, Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission, emphasized the commission’s dedication to conducting “a free, fair, and credible election” for all citizens.
“We are fully prepared to oversee an electoral process characterized by transparency and accountability towards all involved parties. Our efforts are aligned with legal guidelines to ensure that there is no violence leading up to or following the elections,” Mtalimanja remarked.
Allegations of Partiality Against Electoral Body
The electoral body has faced accusations from various political factions and civil society groups alleging favoritism toward the ruling Malawi Congress Party—claims which the commission has repeatedly rejected.
For nearly two weeks, civil society organizations under “Concerned Citizens for Credible Elections” have protested, calling for Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi to resign due to accusations of undermining opposition parties.
President Lazarus Chakwera, one of 17 candidates vying for presidency, cautioned during a prayer gathering on Sunday that escalating political violence poses a threat to hard-won democratic achievements.
“Let us uphold peace until September 16. We must avoid any form of violence at all costs. Peace has been our pride since independence. The campaign period is brief; let us not allow it to devolve into chaos,” Chakwera urged.
Police Reassure Public Commitment to Safety
Noel Kayira, Deputy Inspector-General of the Malawi Police Service, reassured citizens of their commitment to creating a secure environment for all electoral participants.
“As a security institution, we pledge to rise above partisan influences and adhere strictly to legal protocols while ensuring safety for everyone involved in the elections. We will not permit any unlawful actions that may disrupt this electoral process,” Kayira stated during the event.
Recently, politically motivated violence between competing parties has surged in Malawi, leading to injuries and damage inflicted upon both public and private property.
A total of 7,203,390 Malawians have registered to vote in the upcoming general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
