Malawi’s 2025 presidential race has now attracted a record 14 hopefuls, the latest entrant being Reverend David Mbewe of the obscure Liberation for Economic Freedom Party (LEFP) — a classic “briefcase party” with no structure, no followers, and probably no future. With characters popping up like mushrooms after rain, it’s clear the ballot paper is turning into a political comedy script.
Yet in the midst of this growing list of political tourists, only one name stands out with any real weight — President Lazarus Chakwera. As the sitting Head of State and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) candidate, Chakwera is the only serious contender in what is increasingly looking like a circus. Talks between MCP and the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by Atupele Muluzi, are reportedly at an advanced stage — a partnership that could shore up votes and give Chakwera a clear path to the 50+1 win required to avoid a second round.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under Peter Mutharika seems trapped in its own delusions. The aging ex-president — now clinging to a third act in his political theatre — is demanding that any alliance must keep him as presidential candidate and pick a running mate from within his camp, with nothing left for anyone else. That’s not negotiation, that’s robbery in a suit. As one political observer put it: “You don’t milk a cow you didn’t feed.” DPP’s idea of alliance is like inviting someone to a wedding, then eating the cake alone.
Over on Facebook — because that’s where they seem to exist — UTM is still pretending to be a national party. With no clear ground support since the tragic passing of its real backbone, Saulos Chilima, the party is reportedly flirting with AFORD and the ghost of Joyce Banda’s People’s Party — both long expired on Malawi’s political shelf. It’s like joining forces with dinosaurs hoping to win a Formula One race.
The rest of the list? Milward Tobias, Adil Chilungo, Smart Swira, and others whose names sound more like quiz contestants than presidential contenders — the less said, the better. If elections were based on entertainment, Malawi would already be a global leader.
As of June 24, the Malawi Electoral Commission confirms that nomination papers have now been collected by 14 presidential aspirants. But as the saying goes, “not everyone who enters the race is running to win — some just want to stretch their legs.”
With nomination submissions set for late July, the real battle is shaping up — and it’s clear: there’s Chakwera, and then there’s everyone else chasing shadows.
