LILONGWE, MALAWI — Malawi has officially entered its electoral silence period as the campaign window for the upcoming September 16 general elections closed at 6 a.m. Sunday, following a final wave of rallies across the country by political contenders.
After two months of intensive campaigning across all 28 districts, candidates from major political parties and independent hopefuls made their last pitch to the nation’s 7.2 million registered voters. The campaign period, which opened on July 14 under the oversight of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), now gives way to final preparations for polling day on Tuesday.
Incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of the ruling Malawi Congress Party wrapped up his re-election bid with a large-scale rally in the capital, Lilongwe, urging voters to grant him a second term to continue his administration’s development agenda.
Meanwhile, former President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party and Dalitso Kabambe of the United Transformation Movement closed their campaigns in Blantyre, the country’s commercial hub in the south.
The presidential race is notably crowded, with 17 candidates on the ballot. Among them are former President Joyce Banda, the sole female contender, representing the People’s Party; Atupele Muluzi of the United Democratic Front, son of ex-president Bakili Muluzi; and current Vice President Michael Usi, running under the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party.
Voters will not only elect a new president but also decide on 229 parliamentary seats and 509 local government positions. The MEC has reiterated its commitment to a transparent and peaceful electoral process, calling for calm and civic responsibility as the nation heads to the polls.