Political parties in Malawi are under pressure to choose who will represent them in the September 16, 2025 General Election. This is because the nomination process begins on June 10.
The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have almost finished picking their candidates. But other parties in Parliament—UTM, People’s Party (PP), and United Democratic Front (UDF)—are still working on it.
MCP’s deputy secretary general, Gerald Kazembe, said they have already chosen candidates for all 229 parliamentary areas.
DPP’s secretary general, Peter Mukhito, said they have completed candidate selection in 99 percent of the areas. Only a few places like Nkhata Bay and some in the Southern and Central regions are left. He said they hope to finish by the end of this week and give certificates to the chosen candidates.
UDF’s spokesperson, Dyson Jangiya, said they started choosing candidates again yesterday in Mangochi and Machinga. These two areas have 10 parliamentary seats. He said they will finish by June 8 and be ready for the nomination period.
PP’s secretary general, Ben Chakhame, said their party has been holding secret primary elections. They haven’t announced the venues or results to avoid outside influence.
UTM has been holding primary elections in 61 areas since Sunday. UTM’s secretary general, Willet Karonga, said they had some problems confirming voters in three areas in Lilongwe and Ntcheu, but they expect to finish today.
Political expert Ernest Thindwa said it’s not surprising that some parties are late. He said many parties are poorly organized and struggle to run fair elections. Another expert, Wonderful Mkhutche, said parties should try hard to have candidates in all areas, so they can have a voice in Parliament.
According to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), people who want to be Members of Parliament must collect nomination forms between June 10 and July 5. Those who want to run for local government must collect their forms between June 10 and June 22. Final documents for MP candidates must be handed in between July 1 and July 5.
