September 16th on the Horizon: Violence, Victories, and Voter Uncertainty
By Hanis Ogrieve Ntapasha
As Malawi edges closer to the highly anticipated September 16, 2025, general elections, the political atmosphere continues to heat up. Citizens are preparing to elect a new president, members of parliament, and ward councillors, and already, early developments in party primaries and political strategies are setting the tone.
Following the conclusion of the voter registration exercise by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), political parties have launched into their primaries, albeit with drama and disruption in some areas. Adding to the unease was the resignation of MEC Commissioner Francis Katsaila on April 24. While the Commission clarified that Katsaila followed due legal process under Section 4(8) of the MEC Act, many questioned the timing of his exit just months before the polls.
Primary elections have become flashpoints. In Chikwawa North, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) primaries descended into chaos after the name of candidate Anganile Ngosi was missing from the registry. Later, a new rule that only voters with national IDs could cast ballots triggered further unrest, suspending the elections amid violence and injuries.
Similar chaos unfolded in Dowa, where angry voters burned ballot papers, claiming that some people who cast votes were not eligible. A related incident was reported in Chiradzulu. In Lilongwe Likuni, supporters of independent parliamentary candidate Kelvin Mphande were attacked at Mpingu as he presented his interest to contest.
In stark contrast, some areas witnessed peaceful and orderly primaries. At Kamuzu Palace CDSS in Area 44, former minister Ulemu Msungama secured a comfortable win over Lighton Mose on the MCP ticket. Meanwhile, in a tightly watched contest in Dedza South, Minister of Information and Civic Education Moses Kunkuyu defeated sitting MP Ishmael Onani Juma, earning the MCP’s nomination. Similarly, Dr. Jessie Kabwila emerged victorious in Salima, unseating incumbent Hon. Phale in a result that has energized her supporters.
As political alliances begin to take shape, the road to meeting the 50+1 presidential vote threshold becomes clearer yet more complex. Parties like the People’s Party (PP), Freedom Party, PDP, and MAFUNDE are said to be negotiating a joint coalition. The United Democratic Front (UDF) is rumored to be weighing options between joining this coalition or forming a separate alliance with Dalitso Kabambe’s UTM and Enoch Chihana’s AFORD.
Inside the DPP, unity remains elusive. Loyalists like Dr. George Chaponda and spokesperson Shadric Namalomba insist that Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika must lead, regardless of any alliance.
Political analyst Ken Sakala warns that lack of transparency in forming these alliances could alienate voters and fracture support bases, a problem that plagued the Tonse Alliance post-2020.
With violence in some areas, internal party conflicts, and confusion over alliances, the risk of voter apathy looms large. For Malawi to hold credible and peaceful elections in September, political parties must urgently address internal cracks and uphold democratic integrity.
