Debate over Malawi’s representation at one of the world’s biggest beauty competitions has deepened, with a former Miss Malawi pageant director weighing in on who should have carried the country’s hopes.
This follows the decision by Miss Malawi organisers to select first runner-up Ireen Navicha to represent Malawi at this year’s Miss World instead of reigning queen Thandi Chisi.
The organisers said Chisi, 27, does not qualify for the global competition because she is above the pageant’s age limit, while Navicha, 21, meets the requirements.
According to a letter from the Miss World organisers shared by the Miss Malawi organisers, contestants must be between 17 and 25 years old to qualify.
Speaking to local media, former Miss Malawi pageant director Carver Bhima questioned the decision to send a runner-up instead of the reigning queen.
Bhima, who managed the Miss Malawi pageant for many years, said the reigning Miss Malawi has the first right to represent the country internationally and should only be replaced under exceptional circumstances.
He said organisers should consider sending the first or second runner-up only if the reigning queen is unable to perform her duties due to illness or other valid reasons.
Bhima said the development raises questions about how future Miss Malawi winners are selected, especially when the crown is linked to international representation.
The debate has also attracted attention from pageant followers, with some questioning how the age eligibility rules were interpreted and applied, particularly as Chisi, at 27, falls within the age range accepted by the Miss World Organisation.
