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Chakwera expresses confidence in Mumba

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has expressed his full confidence in the appointment of Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, as his presidential running mate in the upcoming September general elections.

Speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), shortly after officially submitting his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Thursday,Chakwera described Mumba’s selection as both strategic and unifying choice aimed at broadening the coalition of support across the electorate.

The president urged all Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members and supporters to remain united and committed to a campaign marked by peace, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

Mumba and Chakwera



He emphasized that unity within the party and a respectful political environment would lay a strong foundation for electoral victory and long-term national progress.

In a brief address following his appointment,Mumba expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chakwera for the confidence placed in him, particularly given the many capable contenders considered for the position.

His highlighted that his endorsement signifies a deliberate step by the president toward youth inclusion and empowerment at the highest levels of leadership,an important message to young people across the nation.

Mumba is a professional civil engineer with over 13 years working experience.He is registered with Engineering Registrion Board (Botswana) and Board of Engineers (Malawi).He has worked in the private and public sector in Malawi, Botswana and Namibia.

Having worked for contractors, consultants and the government (client/employer), he has a good understanding of the construction sector as he has worked for all the players in the construction industry.

Currently, he is the Director for Surge Infrastructure Developments Ltd. He is involved in development projects in Malawi at all stages from planning, implementation and management.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering obtained in 2006 from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS ),formerly the Polytechnic.

Mumba also possesses a Master of Business Administration from University of Stellenbosch Business School (RSA).

His slogan is ‘I don’t have Plan B, in any case, Plan B is enforcing Plan A’. His vision is to plunder hell and populate heaven in whatever he does.

His mission is to work on investments that will in the long run finance evangelism, missionary work and Pan-African ideas.

He is a Presbyterian with a charismatic approach to the gospel and believes in the Apostles Creed.

Mumba is passionate about all forms of leadership that have meaningful impact on humanity.

The civil engineer strongly believes that economic and political emancipation in this day and age is mainly dependent on Christian morals and values.

His values are spirituality (God), family, economic independence, integrity, equality, fairness, efficiency, commitment, charisma and compassion. Isaiah 43:1-4, Isaiah 61:1 and Jeremiah 1:10 are the verses where he draws his inspiration from.

He does not have any role model but combines characteristics from a number of Pan-Africans and men of God.

MEC emphasizes transparency and national unity as Malawi enters election countdown

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By Rahim Abdul

The nomination process for Malawi’s 2025 presidential elections officially closed, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has shifted its focus to ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the next phases of the electoral calendar.

Speaking during a press briefing held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday, MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja underscored the Commission’s commitment to upholding democratic values through inclusive and credible electoral processes.



“As we conclude the nomination phase, we step into a critical chapter that demands responsibility, peace, and integrity from all players,” said Mtalimanja.

She reported that of the 22 aspirants who collected nomination forms, 20 successfully submitted them on time a figure that includes both party sponsored and independent candidates. Seven of the hopefuls are running without party backing, reflecting growing citizen interest in political participation.

Justice Mtalimanja noted that the next stage involves a rigorous scrutiny of nomination papers to verify eligibility in line with Malawi’s electoral laws and regulations.

But beyond the paperwork, she said the elections belong to every Malawian  not just to institutions or candidates.

“We must work together  electoral bodies, political parties, civil society, and the general public  to guard the process and ensure it remains peaceful, transparent, and inclusive,” she said.

MEC has vowed to continue working with all stakeholders to promote transparency and build public trust, especially among underrepresented groups such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities.

The closing of the nomination process sets the stage for official campaign preparations and public engagement.

Mtalimanja urged political parties to promote unity and refrain from incitement or violence as Malawi heads into a critical election year.

“Elections are not just about winning power  they are about upholding the will of the people and strengthening democratic institutions,” she said.

As the countdown to the 2025 polls begins, MEC has reassured Malawians that every effort is being made to deliver elections that meet both national and international standards.

Malawi Police destroy 733 illegal firearms to boost public safety ahead of 2025 elections

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By Rahim Abdul

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has reinforced its commitment to public safety and national security by destroying 733 illegal firearms during the commemoration of National Gun Destruction Day at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe.

The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the Malawi Defence Force, Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Malawi Prisons Service, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, was aimed at curbing the proliferation of small arms and ensuring that such weapons never find their way into the wrong hands.



Inspector General of Police, Merlyn Yolamu, emphasized that the destruction of the firearms is part of broader efforts to safeguard peace, particularly as Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections.

“The presence of illegal firearms poses a significant risk to public safety and can fuel violence if left unchecked. By destroying these weapons, we are protecting lives and preserving peace,” she said.

The seized firearms, collected from various districts across the country, included pistols, rifles, shotguns, and homemade weapons, many of which were surrendered voluntarily under previous amnesty campaigns, while others were confiscated during police operations.

The event was commemorated under the theme: “Reducing the Proliferation of Illegal Firearms in Malawi.”

National Gun Destruction Day, also marked internationally, is part of a global initiative to reduce armed violence and promote peace. Security experts have hailed the annual exercise as critical in preventing armed robberies, poaching, and potential election-related violence.

As the guns were reduced to scrap metal, authorities urged Malawians to continue collaborating with law enforcement agencies by reporting illegal weapons to make the country safer.

MCP Diaspora Network Hails Chakwera’s Choice of Vitumbiko Mumba as Running Mate, Calls It a “New Era for Malawi

By Wadza Botomani

The Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Network (MCPDN) has enthusiastically endorsed President Lazarus Chakwera’s selection of Hon. Eng. Vitumbiko Mumba as his running mate for the September 2025 elections, heralding the decision as a transformative step for the nation. In a statement released by Rev. George Limbani Phiri, Chairperson of the MCPDN, the diaspora community praised the Chakwera-Mumba ticket as a symbol of unity, progress, and generational change, emphasizing its potential to consolidate Malawi’s development gains amid global challenges . 

The statement highlighted the Chakwera administration’s achievements, including infrastructure expansion, energy access improvements, and youth empowerment initiatives, arguing that Mumba’s technocratic expertise and integrity align with the government’s results-driven agenda. Notably, the diaspora leadership underscored Mumba’s appeal across regional and tribal lines, a factor echoed in recent polls where he emerged as the public’s top choice for the role . The message also framed the partnership as a rebuke to “politics of division,” urging Malawians abroad and at home to rally behind the ticket to ensure continuity. 

Mumba and Chakwera



 

Rev. Phiri’s statement positioned the diaspora’s support as a unifying call to action. Quoting scripture and invoking national pride, the message framed the 2025 election as a pivotal moment to “create the future” under tested leadership. The MCPDN’s endorsement signals confidence in Mumba’s ability to galvanize voters—a sentiment mirrored in grassroots enthusiasm but now tested against the party’s internal fray . 

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President Lazarus Chakwera Submits Nomination Papers for Malawi’s 2025 Elections

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By Wadza Botomani

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader, formally submitted his nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) today, July 30, 2025, solidifying his bid for re-election in the September 16 general polls. Chakwera, who will contest alongside his running mate, Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba, was among the final candidates to present his papers during MEC’s week-long nomination window . 

The nomination process, held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, marks a critical step in Malawi’s tripartite elections, which will determine the presidency, parliamentary seats, and local government representatives. Chakwera’s submission follows a schedule set by MEC, with his main rivals—including former presidents Peter Mutharika (DPP) and Joyce Banda (PP)—having filed their papers earlier in the week . 

Chakwera and Mumba



Chakwera’s campaign is expected to focus on defending his administration’s record amid mounting public discontent over economic hardships, corruption, and unfulfilled promises from the 2019 elections. Over 70% of Malawians live below the poverty line, and inflation and foreign exchange shortages have eroded trust in the government . His choice of Mumba as a running mate signals a strategic alignment with the trade sector, though the minister’s recent involvement in a disputed MCP primary election in Mzimba Central has drawn scrutiny . 

MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja reiterated calls for all candidates to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, emphasizing peaceful campaigning ahead of the official period’s close on September 14 . The elections will be conducted under the 50+1 system, requiring a presidential candidate to secure an absolute majority to avoid a runoff—a scenario that could cost MEC an additional K97.9 billion (≈$55.8 million) if needed . 

With 20 presidential aspirants, including six independents, the race remains highly contested. Chakwera’s nomination sets the stage for a pivotal showdown, with Malawians weighing his leadership against alternatives in a climate of economic strain and democratic uncertainty .