Blantyre, Malawi – June 13, 2025
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken a bold step towards contesting the upcoming presidential election independently, following the collection of nomination forms by its leader, Atupele Muluzi, from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Muluzi becomes the fifth presidential hopeful to obtain the nomination documents ahead of the September 16 general elections. The move ends weeks of speculation and uncertainty surrounding UDF’s possible participation in an electoral alliance.
The collection of forms comes after social media was awash with rumours that the UDF was in talks with other political parties to form a coalition, with some reports suggesting a possible alliance with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). However, Muluzi’s actions and public remarks appear to contradict such claims.
During the UDF’s recent national convention, Muluzi assured party supporters that the UDF would go to the polls as an independent force.
The UDF, which played a key role in Malawi’s democratic transition in the early 1990s, has seen fluctuating fortunes in recent elections. Its decision to contest alone signals a renewed attempt to regain political influence and reconnect with its traditional support base, especially in the Southern Region.
Political analysts say the move could reshape the dynamics of the presidential race.
“By choosing to go solo, the UDF is potentially splitting the opposition vote or positioning itself for a stronger bargaining power post-election,” said political scientist Dr. Joseph Kanyongolo.
According to MEC, five presidential candidates have so far collected nomination forms, each required to pay a non-refundable fee of K10 million. The nomination process will continue in the coming weeks, with formal submission and validation expected ahead of the final campaign stretch.
Meanwhile, the political temperature continues to rise across the country as parties intensify their strategies for the September showdown, which is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent history.
As the clock ticks down to nomination day, all eyes are now on how the UDF will roll out its campaign—and whether Muluzi’s confidence in going it alone will resonate with the electorate.
