So, it is public knowledge now that seventeen aspirants have been approved to race for Malawis Plot Number One on September, 16th. That number is huge. A record figure for the country’s elections history; as certified by the Malawi Electoral Commission.
Here is what is known about them and what they have said. The arrangement is in alphabetical order.
1. Joyce Banda — Peoples Party
She is historically Malawis first ever female President having ascended to that office in 2012 at the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Her reign ended in 2014 after she lost at the polls. Prior to assuming office, President Banda served as a Member of Parliament, Minister of Gender and Child Welfare.
Her tenure faced the Cashgate scandal, Malawis biggest public loot which she denies of and never got implicated.
Her running-mate is Khumbo Kachali who, apparently was also her vice President during her two-year stint as Malawi president.
She is now calling for an overhaul on ownership of wealth.
2. Thokozani Manyika Banda – Independent
He is more known in diplomat cycles than on the political space; however, much politics is known of his father — for he is son of late Aleke Banda, one of the prominent politicians in Malawi. Thokozani will contest on an independent ticket.
He has promised to among others, reducing expenditure and boosting export of Malawian products to earn more foreign exchange.
Banda served as a senior diplomat to Japan and other Asian nations, Germany, the World Trade Organisation and neighbouring European nations.
His running-mate is Vera Alinafe Kaludzu who is contesting as an independent councilor for Salima Central constituency Boma Ward.
3. Akwame Bandawe – Anyamata Atsikana Azimai
The former deputy Mayor of Lilongwe is promising to empower boys, girls and women in their right.
His party opted for business woman Asiyatu Abuli as running-mate.
4. Lazarus Chakwera – Malawi Congress Party
He will be seeking reelection after naming Minister of Trade Vitumbiko Mumba as his running-mate.
Chakwera won the 2020 fresh polls after the MCP challenged results in 2019 which initially declared Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party winner.
He is currently touting his leadership as having created jobs, having built roads, having empowered the youth and having laid the foundation for future development.
However, he has heaped blame on geopolitical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war, cyclones and COVID-19 as having distorted his other development initiatives and aspirations.
5. Kamuzu Chibambo – People’s Transformation Movement
The eminent lawyer named Chris Bulakwacha who, online searches describe as a Political Scientist and Public Administrator as his running-mate.
Chibambo is driving on a total transformation of crucial sectors to revive the economy.
6. Adil Chilungo – Independent
The businessman who holds an MA in Political Science from the Islamic University of Malaysia is seeking to challenge the political party attachment to government.
He chose business woman Mary Mwalukuwo as his running-mate.
7. Felix Chipojola – Independent
An internet search shows that Chipojola previously served as an infantry soldier in the Malawi Defence Force.
If voted into power; he aspires seek to rewire operations of the civil service focusing on the security agencies.
He is going on the ballot with Memory Naveko, a teacher by profession as his running-mate.
8. Dalitso Kabambe – UTM
Kabambe, a former Reserve Bank Governor took over the mantle of UTM in November 2024 at the partrys convention. He is the second president of UTM after founding president Saulos Chilima died in a historical plane crash in Chikangawa Mountain on June 10th the same year.
He is meanwhile flying a flag for a strong economy coupled with an improved agricultural sector.
Kabambe opted for business man and engineer Mathews Mtumbuka as his running-mate for the party.
9. Peter Mutharika – Democratic Progressive Party
He served as President from 2014 until 2020.
Mutharika has openly said he is defying his age (AGE) stating that he harbors the experience to address woes facing Malawi and restores the countrys socio-economic status. He opted for Jane Ansah — a one-time Attorney General, Supreme Court of Appeal Justice and former chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission as his running-mate.
10. Atupele Muluzi – United Democratic Front
Muluzi will again lead the UDF in this years polls at the bulk of his calls against underdevelopment.
The son to former President Bakili Muluzi says his experience on government as a minister before has helped him attain required experience to run state affairs.
He named Rex Kalolo, a theologian and scientist as his running-mate.
11. Phunziro Mvula — Independent
The ex-military officer is another pile of independents seeking the presidency. He has hinted on intentions to provide genuine leadership for Malawi, stating that his campaign is driven by compassion and a deep commitment to solving the countrys persistent challenges.
Mvula chose Cdyrac Mkwanda, a fellow retired military officer as his running-mate.
12. Frank Mwenefumbo – National Development Party
The former deputy minister of health was a surprise package after he had initially pulled out having endorsed the DPP before the U-turn.
He says the party has set huge sights on developmental packages at all levels of society.
Mwenefumbo who served as deputy minister of health from 2004-2009 has picked Chikondi Mpokosa as his running-mate.
She served as the Program Director for Women and Girls at Opportunity International and has worked with UNICEF, Oxfam, and the Malala Fund.
13. Kondwani Nankhumwa — Peoples Development Party
He started politics as an MP before former President late Bingu wa Mutharika roped him in as deputy minister of information in his cabinet. He served the Mutharikas brothers late Bingu and Peter before he rebelled against Peter Mutharika to form his own party. He is also former leader of opposition in Parliament.
He is meanwhile challenging for Presidency with a tone of a leadership with prowess.
The former local government minister named Bertha Ndebele as his running-mate. Bertha served as MP for Balaka West.
14. John Sauti – Patriotic Citizens Party
The Information Technology and research expert launched his party at a promise to liberate Malawi.
He named Timothy Kayendera who tows experience on issues of governance and inclusion as his running-mate.
15. Smart Swira – Independent
Swira, who also showed interest in previous elections says his goal is to bring utter discipline in the civil service. He feels Malawi has been lagging behind because of crookedness within the civil service.
He announced Jonathan Matonga, a financial expert as his running-mate.
16. Milward Tobias – Independent
Tobias, an eminent economist has sent a strong message. A message of the need to put Malawi’s economic status on a different level.
He believes that because the economy is on its sick bed coupled with huge public debts, the country needs his leadership to ease out of the situation.
At presenting his nomination papers, Tobias settled for Henry Mdebwe, an experienced nutritionist as his runningmate.
17. Michael Usi – Odya zake Alibe Mulandu
Has been a cabinet minister since 2020 when President Lazarus named his first cabinet. In 2024 Usi was sworn-in as president of the Republic of Malawi after the tragic death of vice president late Saulos Chilima.
In spite of ascending to UTM presidency at the death of Chilima … his stint at UTM had a rude ending with an infight with the party’s officials.
On the campaign trail the Vice President is riding his campaign on corruption in government and positioning himself as a reformer and transform.
Usi, a development expert believes that sick systems are ruining the government.
He named Grace Nazitwere as his running-mate. She served as Chief Accountant in the ministry of lands, among other roles in the sector.