By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, June 11, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Wednesday called upon all political parties in the country to help in fostering informed and peaceful participation of all people in the country during the forthcoming General Elections.
Reading a speech on behalf of the Electoral Commission, District Commissioner for Balaka Tamanya Harawa, said, political parties are vital links in our democratic chain, therefore being the centre of it all.
He said this during the briefing of prospective contestants and political parties in the 2025 General Election to take place on 16 September.
“The commission is operating under the theme, Promoting Democratic Leadership Through Your Vote. This theme underscores our collective duty to ensure that the electoral process is inclusive, fair, peaceful and reflective of the will of the Malawian people and our open invitation and the presence of you, prospective contestants and political parties at this briefing are consistent with our theme and reaffirmation of your commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process.
“The commission’s role is not to determine who a party’s rightful candidate is, but to provide information, ensure prospecting candidates and political parties are aware of their obligatory legal requirements, and prepare all prospecting individuals to participate in the nomination process if they so choose,” he added.
Speaking during the briefing, Assistant District Elections Officer (ADEO) Davis Konondo said that one of the number one eligibility requirements for one to stand for any of the three positions is that he or she must be a Malawian, registered voter, able to read and write in English.
“Each aspiring candidate is required to pay a nomination fee of K2, 500,000.00 for a male candidate wishing to contest as Member of Parliament, K1, 250,000.00 for a female, K1, 250,000.00 for any male or female person less than 35 years and K1, 250,000.00 and aspirants with disabilities.
“For Local Government Elections candidates, one is required to pay K200, 000.00 for males, K100, 000.00 for females, K100, 000.00 for any male or female less than 35 years and K100, 000.00 for any aspirants with disabilities,” he added.
According to Konondo, once an aspiring candidate pays a fee through FDH Bank, one can proceed to get nomination papers, which will be expected to be signed.
“For Parliamentary and Local Government Elections, 10 eligible voters, coming from the same constituency or ward, with an aspirant should sign as a way of endorsement.
“After the filling of the nomination papers and all other requirements, Local Government Elections aspirants will be required to submit their nomination papers from the 20th to 22nd June, 2025, and Parliamentary aspirants will be required to present their nomination papers from 1st to 5th July, 2025,” he explained.
During the meeting, a lot of aspirants asked MEC to speed up voter and civic education on some electoral processes, including explaining very well the Smartmatic system, as most of the electorate and the general public need to understand the system, saying that if not fully understood would contribute to serious voter apathy.
Malawi is going to polls on September 16 to elect President, Members of Parliament and Ward Councillors.
