MANAonline
MEC courts Nkhotakota aspirants
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, June 12, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Wednesday held an engagement briefing with aspiring political candidates for Nkhotakota district on nomination processes for the forthcoming general elections.
Nkhotakota District Commissioner, Ben Matengeni Tohno, opened the meeting by reading a letter from the Chairperson of the Commission, urging all aspiring candidates to cooperate and avoid conflicts as they are preparing for the elections.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspiring candidate for Nkhotakota Nkula Constituency, Skeffa Chimoto, described the meeting as crucial saying most of the questions they had have been answered accordingly.
He, therefore, said aspirants expect to kick-start their nomination processes with ease.
Chimoto added that it is their responsibility to ensure that their followers are disciplined and informed so that aspirants should not be disqualified for infringing some of the rules and regulations for the upcoming elections.
"It is painful for someone who has been carrying out activities to take part in the elections to be disqualified. So, it is our responsibility to make sure that our supporters adhere to all the guidelines set out by the relevant body conducting the election", said Chimoto.
MEC organized the meeting to equip all aspiring candidates for the nomination process on eligibility, electoral code of conduct and correct filling of nominations forms.
JCM Power distributes sewing machines to Kanzimbe Youth
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, June 11, Mana: As part of its youth skills activities under Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), JCM Power, an independent Power producer has distributed nine sewing machines to nine students who were trained in tailoring at Kindle Vocation Centre supported by JCM Power.
The distribution exercise took place on Wednesday, at Kanzimbe Village, a catchment area where JCM power operates in the district.
According to LRP Chairperson, Timothy Tembo, the skills training for the youth has a great impact in uplifting the households of project affected people who have enrolled for different trainings.
"He said project affected individuals deserve a significant change of their livelihoods through various interventions aimed at promoting a better livelihood," he said.
JCM Community Liaison Officer, Levison Masamba said under the project, JCM power has trained 50 youths in driving with C1 driving licence, 11 youths in carpentry and joinery, 21 youths in brick laying, nine in tailoring and 11 in solar technology.
"The project includes training and startup kits for every trade. The goal is to make sure that our project affected persons have an alternative source of income to subsistence farming." He said.
Masamba added that the machines are provided for free as a startup for the youth.
One of the youths, Conex Frackson who is a beneficiary commended JCM power for the training and the sewing machine provided.
He added that he has gained the skill and will be self-sufficient and not depend on handouts.
Salima district eyes peaceful and inclusive elections
By Max Medson
Salima, June 11, Mana: Political leaders in Salima District have been urged to promote peace and inclusivity as Malawi prepares for its upcoming general elections.
Speaking at a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) briefing session on nomination procedures for aspiring candidates, District Commissioner, James Mwenda emphasized the importance of adherence to electoral guidelines.
Reading a message from MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Mwenda stressed the role of political leaders in ensuring a violence-free election.
He assured stakeholders that all relevant council sectors are committed to upholding fair and peaceful electoral processes.
"We are working closely with the police to ensure peaceful campaigns. Security officers will be assigned to political rallies to guarantee that events are conducted ethically and in line with MEC's regulations," Mwenda said.
In a bid to foster inclusivity, Charles Chipembere from the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) pledged to support the participation of persons with disabilities in the political process.
"As MACODA, we are committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities exercise their right to participate in political and public life equally. We will work with MEC to provide the necessary equipment for a smooth nomination process nationwide, in accordance with Section 33 of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024," Chipembere stated.
District Elections Officer, Alinafe Chisenga, revealed that MEC has reduced nomination fees for candidates with disabilities.
"We believe in fair representation. Lowering the nomination fees for candidates with disabilities is part of our effort to ensure that no Malawian is left behind in the political space," she said.
Independent parliamentary candidate for Salima Central East (Maganga Ward), Nasreen Khonat, praised the initiative for addressing challenges faced by female candidates.
"As women, we are often underestimated in political space, especially in parliamentary roles. But this session has reassured me. With support of the council, police, and MEC, I am confident that women can and should take up leadership positions," she said.
With stakeholders across the district reaffirming their commitment to peaceful, fair, and inclusive elections, the district is optimistic for peaceful campaigns and elections.
Dowa DC urges peace amongst aspirants
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, June 11, Mana: District Commissioner for Dowa Stallichi Mwambiwa has urged aspiring candidates to contest as Councilors and Members of Parliament in the coming September general elections to uphold peace and calmness during the nomination process.
Mwambiwa made the appeal Wednesday during a meeting organized by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to brief the aspirants on the nomination process, which was held at the council chamber.
"During this period, you are free to come with your supporters for moral support and, where necessary, celebrations, but ensure that neither you nor your supporters engage in any acts of violence.
"If violence arises, the council, in collaboration with the police, will enforce the law without hesitation to ensure the process is free, fair, transparent and successful," he said.
In his remarks, MEC District Elections Officer, Luciano Tiferankhani said MEC organised the meeting to provide aspirants with strategies for easing the registration process and resolving emerging issues.
"We expect this meeting to contribute to minimizing challenges like rejection of nomination papers, which occurs when the required standards on the papers are not met," he said.
One of the independent aspirants for the parliamentary seat in Dowa Mphudzu Constituency, Alisty Litepo Banda, said she was pleased with the meeting as it has enlightened the aspirants to understand the requirements needed to qualify as a candidate in the elections.
She further said that as a leader, she will ensure her followers avoid violence to achieve peace and harmony.
"It is true that leaders set the tone and, if not careful, can create chaos, and followers tend to follow.
"But on my part, I will ensure that in my meetings, I focus on bringing forward ideas that promote development rather than insulting my opponents," she said.
Dedza disburses over K900 million in SCTP
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 11, Mana: Principal Social Welfare Officer for Dedza District Council, Mtende Lungu, has disclosed that his office has so far disbursed K903, 878,500 to the Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries covering three months from April to June.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Lungu advised beneficiaries of the programme to use the money for the intended purpose of alleviating poverty in their households.
According to Lungu, the funds covered all eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.
“We urge our beneficiaries to utilize the provided money properly by, among other things, improving their homes, their domestic animals, and also supporting education for their children,” he stated.
Lungu went on to say that the district has so far 19,592 households who benefited in the phase.
“But it must be noted that this initiative aims at reducing poverty levels among the people in all T/As. It is very important for beneficiaries to join village saving groups, and apart from supporting their children in school, they also need to consider eating the six food groups,” he pointed out.
One of the beneficiaries, Yusesi Mandalamu from Sukasuka Village under T/A Kachere, said she uses the money to support education for the children she lives with.
“I have grandchildren whom I support in different ways, including paying school fees and uniforms,” she stated.
Another beneficiary, Ayisa Kalikokha from Kapesi Village, revealed that she uses the money for small-scale businesses, including baking scones.
“As you can see, I have even come here with my business. At first, I didn’t have start-up capital and am happy that my business is thriving now,” said Kalikokha.
On his part, Helix Maliyoni, from Sukasuka village, said he supports his family by buying farm inputs for irrigation farming so as to sustain themselves.
“We appreciate government and all other partners for considering us with this initiative because it is helping in uplifting our lives,” said Maliyoni.
SCTP is funded by the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to address poverty shocks among the elderly and the ultra-poor.
Neno aspirants urged to advance peace in the electoral process
By Alinafe Kamphika
Neno, June 11, Mana: Aspiring legislator for Neno East, Luke Chimwanza, has called on fellow aspirants to desist from hate speech and they should focus on issue-based campaign ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.
Chimwanza made the remarks during a briefing on electoral process organised by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at the Neno District Health Office conference room on Wednesday.
“Every aspirant should take the lead in encouraging supporters to maintain peace during the campaign period. Let us prioritise unity and let us avoid speech that can incite division,” he added and further advised political parties and candidates to inform relevant authorities in advance about their planned rallies to avoid clashes over venues.
Neno Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent, Madalitso Chikwatu, said there was a need for the aspirants and their supporters to abide by electoral laws and best practices are in line with democracy to ensure violence-free electoral process.
“Neno is known for peace. Let us maintain that by not letting politics divide us. Supporters listen to their leaders, so please remind them not to confront or stone police officers who are only there to ensure peace and order,” the Officer In Charge added.
Neno District Elections Officer, Nodi Mwale, explained the nomination fees for aspiring candidates, with male parliamentary aspirants required to pay K2.5 million, while women, youth, and persons with disabilities are expected to pay K1,250,000.
Men vying for Local Government Election are expected to pay K200,000 while women, youths and people with disabilities ready to also contest in the local government polls are expected to pay K100,000.
During the meeting, aspiring parliamentarians, ward councillors and other stakeholders agreed on important guidelines to follow to advance peace and unity to prevent violence in the electoral process.
The meeting also unanimously agreed to avoid hate speech, obtaining clearance letters from the District Commissioner for each campaign rally to avoid confrontation at campaign venues.
Apart from the aspiring contestants, key district-level stakeholders such as District Election Supervisory Team also attended the MEC-organised briefing session at Mwanza DHO.
Aspiring candidates called to abide by electoral laws
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, June 11, Mana: District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko, has advised aspiring contestants for parliamentary and local government elections to ensure they abide by the laws that govern electoral processes, as Malawi aspires for free, fair, and credible general elections on September 16.
Mdooko was speaking on behalf of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice, Annabel Mtalimanja, on Wednesday in Blantyre during briefing sessions on the nomination process for aspiring contestants in the presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections.
“There are laws that govern electoral processes. As such, all aspiring contestants, regardless of their political affiliations, must abide by these laws.
“Where you don’t understand them, doors for MEC are open for engagement,” said the District Commissioner
“We have so many aspiring contestants that are standing for local government elections, parliamentary elections on both political party and independent tickets. We believe they need to have accurate information regarding electoral processes so that they can effectively participate in the elections,” he said, expressing hope that the briefing was of great essence to all the aspirants.
The DC, who is also the Returning Officer, encouraged the contestants to promote peace and tolerance as well as conduct issue-based campaigns when MEC launches the campaign period.
One of the aspiring contestants for the Blantyre Southwest constituency, Professor John Chisi hailed MEC for the briefing sessions, calling for continuous engagement.
The briefing session, among others, covered areas such as eligibility criteria, certification of persons with disabilities, the nomination process, correct filling of nomination papers, and the electoral code of conduct for candidates.
MEC engages aspiring contestants on peaceful electoral process
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.
Nkhata Bay political aspirants satisfied with MEC briefing
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 11, Mana: Political aspirants in Nkhata Bay have expressed satisfaction with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) open briefing session on the nomination process for those contesting for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections in the 2025 General Elections.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday in the district, Dickens Tchuwa, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) aspiring Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay Mpamba constituency said the meeting was informative and enlightening for the candidates.
"This meeting has created good awareness, as we have learned several things we didn't understand before.
"We are now well-informed candidates, ready to participate in this race with all the information at our disposal,’ he said.
Tchuwa highlighted that they have understood the eligibility of candidates, the nomination process, and the code of conduct before, during, and after the elections.
In her remarks, Mercy Limbani Kaunda, Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) aspiring Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay West constituency, said the meeting was timely, considering the collection of nomination forms is in progress.
In his remarks, MEC’s District Elections Officer for Nkhata Bay, Peter Mukhula, said the meeting aimed to spread the message of the nomination process to all aspirants.
"We understand there are new candidates in politics, and it's proper that they hear the information from us and know what the commission expects from them.
"We have successfully shared all required information, and we're sure we will move forward together,” he said.
Mukhula, therefore, emphasized that the commission expects the code of conduct to be adhered to during the process, ensuring there is no form of discrimination and allowing everyone to be heard.
The briefing is one of the ongoing activities in readiness for the general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
Political aspirants in Mzimba tout MEC’s interface meetings on electoral processes
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, June 11, Mana: Political aspirants in Mzimba have applauded the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for organizing an interface meeting aimed at explaining electoral processes, saying the initiative would go a long way in helping ease challenges commonly associated with the nomination process.
In an interview after the meeting held on Wednesday, Alliance for Democracy (Aford) shadow Member of Parliament for Perekezi Constituency, Fikani Ulunji Nyirenda, said the meeting provided a valuable platform where MEC officials clearly outlined the dos and don’ts of the nomination process.
‘‘For instance, we have been told about paying for nomination fees in good time to avoid inconveniences associated with a rejected nomination when you submit late. When you are told to fill forms with registered voters to endorse your candidature and you delay the system may not give you another chance,’ said Nyirenda, who will be standing for a second time, having flopped in 2019.
Another aspirant, Enita Chima, who wants to contest as a councilor for Manyamula Ward in Solola Constituency, said being a first-time contender, she learnt a lot from the meeting.
Chima cited the regulation that every contestant should have a symbol representing their party or their candidature, as well as avoiding confrontational politics, as some of the things she learnt.
Speaking when opening the meeting, District Commissioner for M’mbelwa District Council Rodgers Newa said the objective of the meeting was to provide information to the candidates to 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.
‘‘Misunderstandings and misinformation often arise due to lack of clarity on electoral procedures. Through these briefings, we aim to reduce confusion, prevent avoidable errors and empower you to participate confidently and correctly,” said Newa.
In a separate interview, District Elections Officer for Mzimba South, Chrispin Chakhumbira, said in the past there had been numerous anomalies that marred the nomination process such as aspirants failing to fill nomination forms correctly which resulted in some candidates being disqualified.
“This training we are conducting today for potential candidates from all political parties and independent candidates aims at enlightening them on the processes in elections and also clarifying all matters that they may need clarification on so that they don’t have issues with electoral processes,’’ said Chakhumbira.
Among others, the discussions centred on the nomination process, eligibility and timeline, correct filling of nomination forms, certification of persons with disabilities and the Electoral Code of Conduct for Political Parties.
