17 candidates to battle for Malawi Presidency as MEC disqualifies three aspirants

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has cleared 17 presidential candidates to contest in the country’s upcoming general elections slated for September 16, 2025, while disqualifying three aspirants.

In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the Commission confirmed that it had received nomination submissions from 20 individuals seeking to run for the presidency.

However, after a rigorous vetting process in line with the country’s electoral laws, only 17 were deemed eligible, while three failed to meet the required criteria.

“Take notice that the Malawi Electoral Commission, having received nominations of candidates for election to the office of President of the Republic of Malawi, hereby declares that the following candidates have been duly nominated to contest for election in the 2025 General Election,” Justice Mtalimanja stated.

Those disqualified include David Mbewe of the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party (LEFP), Daniel Dube of the Nationalist Patriotic Party (NPP), and independent candidate Reverend Hardwick Kaliya. While MEC did not specify the exact reasons for each disqualification, it reiterated that all decisions were made in strict accordance with legal and procedural guidelines.

The confirmation of the 17 eligible candidates sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the most dynamic and competitive elections in Malawi’s democratic history.