The ruling Malawi Congress Party-MCP Member of Parliament for Chikwawa South, Illias Abdul Karim has dumped the party and he has since announced that he will stand as an independent candidate in the forthcoming elections. One local online publication broke the story after speaking to him. In his remarks, Karim says looking at the political atmosphere, he has decided to stand as an independent candidate. “Several traditional leaders, business people, women and youths have been asking me to stand on independent tickets because they believe the party has been out of touch with the grassroot and in a democracy you are free to associate with any political grouping of your choice,” said Karim. Last week, reports were rife that Karim who is close relative to Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, turned down the offer to join the government as Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture replacing the late Joyce Chitsulo. On Monday, July 15, 2025, MEC opened the official campaign period.

The Malawi Electoral Commission says vote counting in the 2025 elections will be done manually at each polling station immediately after voting ends. Justice Annabel Mtalimanja MEC chairperson said the counting will follow a specific sequence starting with the Presidential ballot, followed by Parliamentary, and then Local Government elections. For result transmission, the Commission will implement a hybrid system that combines the manual delivery of physical result sheets with the electronic transmission of scanned copies and computer-generated results to the National Tally Centre. According to MEC chairperson, all voting materials like sealed ballot boxes, result forms, and other documents will be safely packed and taken to the Constituency Tally Centres (CTCs). At these centres, the results will be checked, recorded, scanned, and sent to the District and National Tally Centres (DTCs and NTC). At each tally centre, any complaints will be looked into, and all documents will be properly handled. The results will then be signed and given to political party and independent candidate representatives who are there at the time.

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has finalized the voters’ register for the 2025 General Elections, recording a total of 7,203,390 registered voters representing 65.7% of the projected 10,957,490 eligible voters. MEC Chairperson disclosed the figures during a meeting with political party delegates, revealing that 4,114,720 (70.8%) of the registered voters are women, while 3,088,670 (60%) are men. The Commission will publish a disaggregated breakdown of the register including data on youth, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters on its official website by July 14, 2025. Using the voter registration data, MEC will determine the number of polling stations based on a standard ratio of 600 voters per station. The final list of polling centers will be gazetted and shared with electoral stakeholders. With the voters’ register now complete, the Commission is moving closer to finalizing logistical plans for a smooth election process.

Minister of Information and Digitisation Moses Nkukuyu has urged the people of Blantyre rural to vote for President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in the forthcoming election. He was speaking at Linjidzi Primary School ground in Lunguzi Village under traditional Authority Lundu, and later at Chilandepa Primary School ground in Senior Traditional Authority, Kapeni. In his remarks, Nkukuyu said that Chakwera has shown that he is a visionary leader who can transform the country into a bright future. “We must vote for a leader who has the strength, vision and energy to change the country’s economic landscape and Chakwera holds those keys,” he said. Nkukuyu is on a whistle stop tour in Blantyre rural drumming up support for Chakwera.

With 60 days to election, President of AFORD Enock Chihana has appointed former aide to the late Professor Bingu Wa Mutharika, Former President of the Republic of Malawi and Karonga South constituency Member of Parliament Rev.Malani Mtonga as his Chief Campaign czar saying Mtonga deserves the appointment owing to his distinguished pedigree and the exemplary leadership he had demonstrated while serving as Chairperson of Presidential Council in the party. In the letter addressed to him, Chihana says the appointment is appropriate, given his impressive acumen in decision making and wise counsel in the national building. Chihana: “We are grateful that you have joined our campaign team. We know you will do your utmost in this new responsibility so we conduct an effective, message – driven campaign leading us to victory in this election. Together, not only can we ensure victory for our party but we shall also move the country along the part of national stability, economic growth and women and youth empowerment. It is our understanding that your appointment to serve is a clarion call not only to the party but also to national duty,” reads part of the letter. Chihana is the only presidential candidate of a major party who has not collected his nomination papers at MEC as speculations continue to indicate that former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika who is also the DPP top candidate is considering him for running mate position. Chihana, a political scientist himself, is the son of late Thom Chakukwa Chihana, the man who is accredited for bringing democracy into the country.

UTM president Dalitso Kabambe has called on the CCAP Blantyre synod and other religious institutions to pray for Malawi saying the nation is at a crossroads as Malawians continue to make ends meet in their daily endeavors. Kabambe made the remarks during prayers for the general elections and CCAP Blantyre Synod’s bi-annual church elections slated for later this year, the church organized in Blantyre. The prayers took on board various political leaders. Kabambe said Malawi’s debt currently standing at K18 trillion shows that Malawi needs urgent solutions. The UTM leader said the election this year has brought Malawi on a decision point to go forward or retrogress. He has since hailed the church for organizing the prayers ahead of the elections. A representative of the women during the prayers, Nellie Nankhumba from Nthawira CCAP, expressed worry with the persistent economic crisis. She pleaded with political leaders to honour the promises made that will develop the nation after the 16 September election.

On Wednesday 9th,July,2025, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and President of the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, Right Honourable Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi, brought Mulanje to a standstill with his powerful message of hope, love, and self-sufficiency-the core values of Odya Zake’s transformative philosophy. As part of his grassroots engagements, the Vice President made several stops across the district, including Misanjo Primary School in Kang’oma Village, TA Mabuka, and later at Chinyana Centre in Mulanje Bale Constituency, under Group Village Headman Chinyama. Addressing enthusiastic crowds, Dr. Usi cautioned Malawians to be vigilant during the campaign season, warning that many promises and sweet words will be made — even by who were in leadership positions but did nothing for the people for years. “Do not be swayed by lies. Make decisions based on truth, on substance — on love and genuine service,” he said. In his typical humble and compassionate style, the Vice President also took time to connect with the people on a personal level — offering small but meaningful acts of kindness to the elderly, women, and children he encountered along the way. Responding to public curiosity about the political party, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu will take in the coming months, Dr. Usi simply said: “Do not be anxious. An official announcement will be made very soon.”

Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba has disclosed that MCP hierarchy is behind the continued violence in the country. Writing on his Facebook Page, Mumba was reacting to the violence that happened during primary elections and those that happened in Mzuzu last month. “They did the same when Mzuzu Vendors had demonstrations but it backfired, Mzuzu Vendors realized that the panga wielding thugs were hired by the very same MCP gurus. The Vendors held a Press Conference to clear my name and exposed the top MCP gurus behind the panga wielding thugs.” Mumba quotes the vendors. Without mentioning names, Mumba has also said that one lady has been offered a job at Blantyre Water Board as Board Member because of violence she unleashed in Mzimba Central constituency.

If the MCP was looking for something to celebrate last night, they have every right to do so after following court proceedings in the Mzuzu High Court where their legal team demolished Mumba and his two fellow witnesses ( the Shabas). In law, they say aggressively questioning the witnesses is aimed at revealing inconsistencies in their written statements against their oral statements. That was well achieved today by Justin Dzonzi. On many occasions, Mumba looked confused, disoriented and hanging in the air whenever Dzonzi punched holes in his own statements. All of the three witnesses were taken to a school of law. They could offer different facts on the same point, pointing fingers at each other, suggesting that he or not was forced to sign the document the other said, he was forced. Did Dzonzi expose weaknesses in the claimant’s evidence, Mumba, VERY TRUE. This is why even his own attorney could not go far with re- examinations. So here, the defense achieved so many inconsistencies, of credibility of witnesses, and improper handling of evidence. But the biggest question is did Dzonzi create a reasonable doubt for the judge to believe that the witness has no credibility? On many occasions, it was seen on display that Mumba and his friends lacked that as they produced an alibi. Producing evidence that they were not at the meeting, (third party), not knowing their own office duties, could not produce parallel evidence to contradict what the defense had brought among others. Having said that, Mumba is fighting a battle that he won’t win. MCP is a bigger organization than one person. Taking the party to court is a very serious offence when it comes to Malawi politics. History tells that nobody has won that battle in a very political party in the country.. Here is the summary of the court case: Justin Dzonzi destroys Mumba in Court; likely to lose the case.. Dzonzi: Have you ever seen the register of Mzimba Central Constituency? Mumba. Yes Dzonzi. Have you brought it here? Mumba. No Dzonzi. So if you have a case to resolve involving a member of a particular Constituency, which document could be a best reference point. Mumba. The register of the entire Constituency. Dzonzi. Do you understand what a first and secondary document means? Mumba. Yes Dzonzi. So, in this case, the electoral collage document would be secondary, isn’t it? Mumba. Yes Dzonzi. So, if you are to resolve the case, don’t you think the register would be the best reference material. Mumba. No, with an explanation. Dzonzi. Please explain. Mumba. People leave a party time and again, which means referring to the register would be problematic.

The Supreme Court of Appeal sitting in Mzuzu has dismissed two appeals arising from a long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Rumphi District over the succession of Traditional Authority Mwamlowe. The matter, heard and determined on 8 July 2025, was presided over by a full bench of the Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal, consisting of His Lordship the Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda, SC, His Lordship the Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, SC, and Justices of Appeal Frank Kapanda, SC, Healey Potani, SC, John Katsala, SC, Charles Mkandawire, SC, Sylvester Kalembera, SC, Rowland Mbvundula, SC, and Ivy NyaKaunda Kamanga, SC. The appeals were brought by Fanwell Mwamlowe and Edgar Mwamlowe, the appellants, who challenged the nomination of Mabvuto Kachipapa Mwamlowe as acting Traditional Authority Mwamlowe. Separately, Mabvuto Kachipapa Mwamlowe, third respondent, challenged a 2016 High Court ruling that declared that the chieftaincy of Traditional Authority Mwamlowe should rotate among three families. In that earlier ruling, delivered by Hon. Justice Dingiswayo Madise, it was also held that the rightful successor to the chieftaincy must originate from the Njokofwano family, one of the three recognized lineages in the Mwamlowe Chieftaincy, alongside the Kachipapa and Chinkhuwire families. After hearing both sides, the Supreme Court noted that no formal administrative decision had been made appointing anyone as Traditional Authority Mwamlowe. Referring to section 4 of the Chiefs Act, the Court held that no cause of action had yet arisen, rendering the matter premature for determination by the High Court. The Court further clarified that any legal challenge concerning the appointment of a chief must be pursued through judicial review of an actual administrative decision, a process which had not been undertaken in this case. The Court also directed that each party should bear their own legal costs. The nearly decade-long legal battle, has seen extended litigation involving the Rumphi District Council, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, and multiple members of the Mwamlowe family.

Minister of Information and Digitization Moses Nkukuyu has told Malawians and the donor community to stop blaming government on violent demonstrations that led to Silvester Namiwa sustaining multiple deep cut injuries but those who sponsored them. He told the zodiac online that police have a lot of things to do and it is not good to give them a tough time manning the demonstrations. “We have listened to audios, people saying lets go to demonstrations, they will give us things, people went there, some sustained injuries, lets blame who sent them to demonstrate,” said Kunkuyu.  

Former Deputy Minister of Information, Kinglesley Namakhwa on Sunday, June 29, 2025 dumped the Democratic Progressive Party-DPP and joined the Alliance for Democracy-AFORD He was welcomed in the party by the party’s President Enoch Chihana at Grace Bandawe Conference Hall in Blantyre. Chihana at breathtaking speed to empower his shadow MPs and councillors with financial and material support. At the meeting, several ward councillors from UDF have dumped their party and joined the AFORD after learning that their party President Atupele Muluzi has decided to work with MCP and Chakwera. Speaking after being welcomed to the party, Namakhwa who spoke on behalf of other new members thanked the party leadership and promised to work hard to broaden the party base in the Southern Region. At the meeting, the AFORD leader revealed that he is hitting the entire nation in order to make the party strong on the ground ahead of September polls. Chihana has been in the central and eastern regions within two days meeting with shadow MPs and councillors. This week, he is expected to be in Mzuzu for the same reason.