By Dean Chisambo
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has officially opened the campaign period for the 2025 General Elections, which will run from 14th July to 14th September.
Speaking during the official launch in Lilongwe on Monday, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabelle Mtalimanja warned all political parties and candidates that any violation of campaign regulations will attract a fine of K5 million.
Mtalimanja urged Malawians to refrain from engaging in political violence, emphasizing that “we have only one Malawi.” She stressed that no one should destroy the country over political differences.
She further warned that anyone found intimidating women contesting for political positions will face the full force of the law.
The MEC Chairperson also encouraged traditional leaders to mobilize their communities to attend campaign rallies, advising citizens to make informed decisions based on the manifestos presented—not on personal loyalties. She appealed to chiefs to allow all political parties and candidates to campaign freely in their areas.
Mtalimanja also called on the media, police, faith leaders, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to play a neutral and responsible role during the campaign period.
She reminded citizens and political party supporters to respect security personnel and work with them to ensure peace throughout the campaign.
The Chairperson cautioned the youth against being used to incite violence and urged them to use social media responsibly when posting election-related content, to avoid spreading misinformation and compromising the credibility of the election.
Mtalimanja disclosed that MEC is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. Voting and counting will be done manually at polling stations before results are transmitted to the national tally center electronically.
In his remarks, Center for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Registrar of Political Parties, Kizito Tenthani, urged all political parties to refrain from distributing handouts to voters. He reminded them to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, warning that the law will be enforced against violators.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration), Noel Kayira, assured the public that the police are ready to provide maximum security across the country without favoring any party or candidate.
On his part, Public Affairs Committee (PAC) representative Bishop Clifford Matonga prayed for peace during the entire campaign period leading up to election day. He encouraged political parties to campaign freely without intimidation and clarified that PAC supports all political parties equally, despite accusations of favoritism.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda welcomed the campaign launch and stressed the need for all stakeholders to provide adequate information throughout the electoral process.
Chimwendo raised concerns about handouts, noting that there needs to be clarity on what constitutes a handout, especially when allowances and transport are provided during internal party mobilizations at area, constituency, district, regional, and national levels. He warned that without clear guidance, innocent people may be penalized, and the law might be applied selectively.
According to MEC, 7,203,390 Malawians are expected to vote in the 16th September general election. Candidates will collect their nomination papers between 24th and 30th July 2025.
