The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has officially revised its 2025 General Election calendar — a move that has stirred both excitement and anxiety in the country’s already heated political environment.
Like a conductor retuning an orchestra before the grand performance, MEC has adjusted the dates and activities leading to the September 16, 2025 polls, when Malawians will vote for their President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors. The revised calendar, released on 25 June 2025, comes as the number of presidential hopefuls collecting nomination papers continues to grow — signalling a tight race ahead.
As of now, over a dozen presidential aspirants have reportedly collected nomination papers, ranging from seasoned political heavyweights to fresh faces hungry for power. The competition is so thick, one observer quipped, “It’s like sardines packed in a tin — only the sharpest will slip through.”
Key Dates You Must Know
The journey officially began on 10 June 2025, with the payment of nomination fees and the collection of nomination papers. Candidates are now gearing up for 14 July 2025, when the official campaign period kicks off like the firing of a starter pistol at a marathon.
Pre-inspections of nomination papers will happen between 16 to 23 July 2025 at both MEC headquarters (for presidential hopefuls) and Constituency Returning Officers’ offices (for parliamentary and local government candidates). Actual submissions of nomination papers will take place from 24 to 30 July 2025.
And while some politicians are still sharpening their manifestos, others are already eyeing 8 August 2025, when MEC will publish the official list of candidates in the Government Gazette — a moment where names become ballots and dreams turn into battles.
Ballots, Vetting, and Voting
Vetting of ballot paper templates will take place from 11 to 12 August 2025, making sure no surprises pop up on voting day. Campaigns will officially end at 6:00am on 14 September 2025, giving the country just 24 hours to pause, reflect, and pray for peace before walking into what promises to be one of the most tense and potentially violent elections in Malawi’s history.
16 September 2025 will be the climax — voting day. Polling centres will open at 6:00am and close at 4:00pm, setting the stage for three separate elections in one: Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government.
But as the old Malawian proverb says, “The night will surely pass, and the cock will crow.” From 16 to 27 October, results will start pouring in — first for the presidential race, then parliamentary, and finally local government. By then, the country will know who will steer Malawi into the next five years.
Why the Calendar Was Revised
Insiders say the calendar was updated to improve clarity, give candidates enough time to prepare, and ensure electoral processes run like a well-oiled machine. With over a dozen presidential aspirants already collecting forms, the field is shaping up to be the most competitive since 1994.
A Word of Caution
As the race heats up, MEC has warned candidates and supporters to stick to the law. Any acts of violence, hate speech, or intimidation will be dealt with harshly.
“This calendar is not just about dates — it’s about democracy,” one political analyst remarked. “And as they say, ‘a tree with strong roots laughs at storms.’ MEC is making sure the foundations are strong.”
Final Word
The drumbeat of democracy has begun, and Malawians must now dance to the rhythm of ballots, campaigns, and promises. Whether the dance leads to joy or disappointment — the steps have officially been set. Let the 2025 show begin.
