By Burnett Munthali
The number of presidential aspirants for Malawi’s upcoming September 16, 2025 General Elections has reached 19 following the collection of nomination papers by Jordan Sauti.
Sauti, who leads the Patriotic Citizens Party (PCP), officially collected his nomination papers today, signaling his intention to contest for the highest office in the land.
The announcement was made by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), during an update on the nomination process.
With this latest addition, the presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in Malawi’s democratic history, featuring a mix of seasoned political figures and fresh faces.
According to MEC, the window for collecting and submitting nomination papers remains open, and the Commission has entered a critical phase in its preparations for the polls.
Mwafulirwa further revealed that MEC will begin pre-inspection of nomination papers from July 17 to July 24, a process designed to ensure that all documents meet the required standards before official submission.
This pre-inspection exercise will give aspiring candidates the opportunity to correct any anomalies in their papers ahead of the final submission dates.
MEC has also confirmed that presentation of nomination papers will take place later this month, as part of its structured roadmap to guarantee a transparent and credible electoral process.
The surge in the number of candidates reflects an increasingly competitive political climate as various leaders seek to position themselves as alternatives to the current administration.
As the race heats up, stakeholders are urging political parties and aspirants to conduct themselves with maturity, adhere to electoral laws, and promote peace throughout the campaign period.
Observers note that the crowded presidential field could have significant implications for voter dynamics, coalition-building, and the eventual outcome of the polls.
With just two months to go before Malawians cast their ballots, attention is now turning to how these 19 candidates will differentiate themselves in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.
