President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday became the last presidential aspirant to submit nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), formally launching his 2025 re-election bid under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and naming Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, as his runningmate.
The submission ceremony was held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, where Chakwera was welcomed by MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda and MEC Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi before proceeding to the main auditorium.
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Chakwera’s arrival was marked by a dramatic and colourful procession that began at the gates of Kamuzu Palace and passed through the streets of the City Centre.
Thousands of MCP supporters, clad in the party’s red, white, black, and green colours, lined the roads, singing campaign songs and chanting slogans.
In a scene that fuelled speculation, Chakwera rode in an open-top vehicle flanked by Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara on one side and Minister Mumba on the other, leaving many supporters guessing who his runningmate would be until the official announcement.
Inside the auditorium, every seat was filled, while thousands more followed the proceedings from outside on giant LED screens. Cheers erupted with each announcement.
Unveiling his runningmate, Chakwera described Mumba as a youthful and visionary leader who embodies the spirit of a transformed Malawi.
“Vitumbiko Mumba will help champion the reforms in the public service to uplift many youthful Malawians to economic prosperity.
My choice of Vitumbiko Mumba is the choice that will benefit all Malawians,” said Chakwera.
“I have chosen Vitumbiko Mumba because this is a time for generational partnership, for innovation, for bold ideas,” he added.
In her address, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja clarified that the receipt of nomination papers was provisional, pending verification.
“The receipt of nomination papers is temporary. We will conduct a thorough review to determine whether they meet all the necessary requirements. The verification of the nomination papers will be completed by August 8,” she said.
MEC Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi reaffirmed the Commission’s neutrality and called on stakeholders to respect electoral laws.
“We will continue to carry out our duties impartially. We will conduct our work in accordance with electoral laws,” said Mpesi.
He later urged those who often comment on electoral matters to do so in line with the law.
In his closing remarks, Chakwera called for peace and unity among all candidates and supporters during the campaign period.
“Campaigning to win people’s votes should be peaceful and without violence. At the end of the day, we are all one people in one country who must remain united,” he said.
Chakwera’s submission brought the curtain down on the nomination period for presidential candidates, all of whom filed their papers at the BICC.
The grand procession and strong turnout of MCP supporters underscored the party’s organisational strength and preparedness as it heads into the 2025 campaign season.
