By Burnett Munthali
Only 178 days remain to the official polling day on 16th September 2025.
This countdown marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s political landscape as the nation prepares for another critical election.
The upcoming election will shape the direction of the country for years to come, with candidates vying for important positions in both national and local government.
As political parties and independent candidates intensify their campaigns, the race is expected to be fiercely contested.
But as we approach polling day, it’s worth looking back at some interesting facts from previous elections.
Did you know that during the 2000 Local Government Elections, 131 candidates were declared winners uncontested?
This was because, at the end of the nomination period, only one person had submitted nomination papers for each of these positions.
Such occurrences raise questions about the competitiveness of some local races and the level of interest in certain political offices.
While uncontested elections may seem like a sign of political stability, they can also signal a lack of engagement or choice for voters.
It is essential to note that these uncontested elections are not unique to Malawi, but they do highlight a broader challenge in many democratic systems—ensuring active participation and robust competition.
With only 178 days remaining until polling day, the question remains: will the 2025 elections bring more competitive races, or will we see a repeat of uncontested elections in certain areas?
As the clock ticks down, the nation’s political future hinges on the choices made by both candidates and voters.
The road to 16th September 2025 is filled with anticipation, and the events leading up to it will undoubtedly have lasting consequences for Malawi’s political landscape.
It is now up to the candidates, parties, and voters to ensure that this election is one of meaningful participation, fair competition, and the strengthening of democratic processes.
