The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has assured the public that preparations for the forthcoming elections are on track.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja said deployment of election staff and equipment is progressing smoothly, with all materials expected to be in place by the end of tomorrow.
MEC briefing
She added that training for supervisors and election workers will be conducted nationwide to ensure efficient operations.
On voter eligibility, Mtalimanja explained that MEC staff, security officers and election officials will be allowed to vote outside their registration areas upon obtaining clearance from Constituency Returning Officers by September 15, stressing that voter transfers can only be done once.
She further addressed the court ruling that dismissed a case brought by DPP, UTM and five others, saying MEC will proceed with both electronic and manual transmission of results.
Mtalimanja also cautioned against misinformation and introduced new commissioner Harry Hazwel Kanjewe.
The Democratic Republic of Congo Football Association (FECOFA) has officially announced the clubs that will represent the country in the 2025 CAF interclub competitions, leaving out two of the nation’s football giants TP Mazembe and AS Vita Club.
This decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on September 8 in Kinshasa, which involved the FECOFA Normalization Committee (CONOR), LINAFOOT officials and representatives from top clubs.
According to the resolution, FC Les Aigles du Congo and FC St Éloi Lupopo will participate in the CAF Champions League, while AS Maniema Union and AS Simba will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The meeting saw 21 members vote in favor of the decision while four rejected it, reflecting ongoing tensions within Congolese football.
FECOFA wasted no time in submitting the final list to CAF despite loud protests from several clubs including TP Mazembe and AS Vita.
The controversy stems from FECOFA’s decision to prematurely end the domestic league with six matches left to play in order to focus on preparations for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
This move has angered TP Mazembe, who accused the association of irregularities and favoritism, insisting that the season should either resume or be nullified.
As a direct consequence, TP Mazembe and AS Vita Club two of DR Congo’s most decorated teams will not participate in continental football this season, a major blow for their players and supporters.
This also comes as a setback for Malawian internationals Patrick Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma, who play for TP Mazembe and AS Vita respectively.
The duo had been hoping to showcase their talent on the continental stage, but with their clubs excluded, they will have to wait until next season for another chance.
The absence of Mazembe and Vita also raises questions about the level of competition in DR Congo’s domestic league and its credibility on the African stage.
TP Mazembe, a five-time CAF Champions League winner, has been a dominant force in African football for decades while AS Vita has a rich history of its own.
Meanwhile, CAF is expected to officially ratify the list in the coming weeks as teams begin their preparations for the 2025/26 continental campaigns.
The Malawi government has issued a stern warning to the public about a highly organized and dangerous propaganda and disinformation campaign allegedly being orchestrated by certain political actors with the aim of destabilizing national security and undermining the upcoming general elections.
In a press release signed by the Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma, the government revealed that intelligence and security agencies have uncovered credible evidence showing that individuals linked to specific political groups are producing unauthorized and illegal video recordings near military installations including battalion signposts, without any legal clearance.
Ezekiel Ching’oma
According to the statement, these individuals are allegedly using civilians and some retired soldiers, disguising them as serving members of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) by providing them with official MDF uniforms.
The disguised individuals reportedly appear in staged recordings designed to spread false information, which is then circulated on social media platforms as part of a pre-planned campaign.
The government believes the motive behind this scheme is to manipulate public perception, incite unrest, and pressure members of the military to abandon their constitutional duties in favor of unconstitutional actions, including the possibility of a coup.
“These recordings and posts are intended to create panic and sow discord within the ranks of the armed forces,” the statement read.
“The timing of these activities is carefully planned to coincide with the voting period and its immediate aftermath, with the goal of casting doubt on the legitimacy of the electoral process and steering the outcome to serve narrow political interests,the statement added.
Minister Ching’oma described these actions as a direct threat to national stability and the safety of citizens.
He emphasized that security agencies have been fully authorized to investigate the matter, take lawful action to stop the spread of harmful content and bring all those involved to justice.
“The government urges all citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and patriotic during this crucial time,” Ching’oma said.
“The electoral process remains secure, and every necessary step has been taken to protect the will of the people. Any attempt to spread panic, misinformation, or unconstitutional behavior will be met with the full force of the law,”he added.
He further called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise responsibility, integrity and respect for democratic principles, urging Malawians to reject fear, stand against propaganda and safeguard the country’s democracy.
This warning comes just days before the elections, as tensions continue to rise across the nation. Security agencies have stepped up surveillance to prevent any attempts to disrupt the voting process or undermine the country’s democratic order.
Wachiwiri kwa Mtsogoleri wa dziko lino Dr Lazarus Chakwera pachisankho cha pa 16 September a Vitumbiko Mumba ati chipani cha DPP ndiro gwero la mavuto omwe anthu mdziko muno akukumana nawo.
A Mumba alankhula izi ku Mzuzu pa misonkhano yomaliza yokopa anthu pomwe patsala masiku awiri tsopano kuti chisankhochi chichitike.
A Mumba Ku Mzuzu
A Mumba ati chipani cha DPP chinasokoneza zinthu zambiri m’boma chifukwa cha kuba komanso katangale.
Iwo ati izi ndizomwe zinachititsa kuti ulamuliro omwe ulipo pano wa Dr Chakwera ukumane ndi mavuto ochuluka monga kusowa kwa ndalama za kunja ndi zina.
Komabe a Mumba ati a Chakwera kudzera kuchipani cha Malawi Congress (MCP) ayesetsa kukonza zinthu zina ndipo posachedwa akhale akuthana ndi mavuto onse omwe boma lakale la DPP linabweretsa.
Iwo atinso mkulakwa kuti lero chipani cha DPP chidziwuza anthu kuti chiri ndikuthekera kothetsa mavuto omwe ali mdziko muno.
Pamenepa a Mumba apempha anthu kuti asanamizidwe ndi bodza lomwe chipani cha DPP chikulonjeza kamba koti chikungofuna kubwereranso m’boma kuti chikapitirize kuba osati kutumikira a Malawi.
President Lazarus Chakwera has thanked Malawians for their trust and urged them to protect national development projects by voting wisely in the upcoming general elections. Speaking at the MCP’s final campaign rally at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Chakwera committed to continuing his push to build a “new Malawi,” citing the expansion of progress made under his administration.
Chakwera
He called on communities to safeguard public infrastructure like roads, railways, schools, and hospitals, stating these investments are crucial for the nation’s future. The President vowed to take decisive action to improve government performance if re-elected, warning that underperforming officials would be replaced.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu and MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda echoed the message, asking voters to choose Chakwera for his clear development vision. The rally marked the official close of the MCP’s campaign ahead of the September 16 polls.
