By Mervis Mwale and Lesnart Kenan

Lilongwe, June 18, MANA: The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has announced that the dates for submission of nomination papers have been revised from June 24 to July 30, 2025, to align with the dissolution of the national assembly on July 23, 2025.

She made the remarks during a press briefing on the update on election preparations held on Wednesday at Sunbird Hotel in Lilongwe.

"Dates for submission of nomination forms for candidates on September 16 have been revised, and the new schedule will require the aspiring candidates to submit their nomination forms from 24 to 30 July 2025. This update replaces the earlier deadlines of June 22 for local government elections and July 5 for parliamentary polls", she added.

She also clarified that on the voting day, election centers will be opened from 6 am to 4 pm, and those standing in line by 4 pm will be allowed to vote, and those who arrive after 4 pm will not be allowed to vote.

She further stated that the campaign period for the September 16 general elections will commence on July 14 to September 14, 2025 (60 days) at 6 am, governed by a strict electoral code of conduct.

Justice Mtalimanja has therefore urged all political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns, adding that all necessary rules should be observed within the set timeframe.

MEC has also advised the aspiring candidates to request for preliminary check of their nomination papers to avoid disqualification during elections.

The final list for the nominated candidates will be published in the public gazette and national newspapers and broadcast on the radio by August 8, 2025.

She therefore appealed to all Malawians to avoid misinformation and disinformation, especially on social media platforms and that citizens should verify the source and authenticity of the news to maintain peace during the polling process.