By Burnett Munthali

Independent presidential candidate Reverend Hardwick Kaliya officially named Theresa Sigele Kagona as his running mate for the upcoming September 16 General Election.The Presidential Candidate however had  a dramatic setback yesterday when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) rejected Kaliya’s initial nomination papers due to critical irregularities. 

Reverend Kaliya arrived at the MEC offices yesterday to submit his nomination documents, only to have them turned away by the Commission. MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja confirmed that the rejection was due to multiple compliance failures involving Kaliya’s original running mate. The unsigned statutory declaration—a mandatory legal affidavit—was a key issue, along with the absence of the running mate’s identification documents and lack of formal consent to appear on the ticket . Justice Mtalimanja emphasized that these omissions rendered the nomination invalid under electoral laws and instructed Kaliya to rectify the errors before the July 30 deadline . 

Kagona, a civil society advocate with a background in community development, is seen as a strategic choice to reinforce Kaliya’s campaign as an independent alternative to Malawi’s established political elites. Her inclusion brings gender balance and a reformist perspective to the ticket, aligning with Kaliya’s vision of inclusive governance . 

The MEC’s strict enforcement of nomination rules highlights the heightened scrutiny surrounding the 2025 elections, which will be conducted under the 50%+1 vote threshold introduced after the controversial annulment of the 2019 polls . With economic hardships and public distrust in leadership shaping voter sentiment, independent candidates like Kaliya aim to position themselves as credible alternatives. His 2019 independent bid, though unsuccessful, established him as a critic of mainstream politics, and the Kaliya-Kagona partnership now seeks to capitalize on growing disillusionment with traditional parties . 

As the electoral season intensifies, the revised nomination signals Kaliya’s determination to remain in the race. Analysts will be watching whether his campaign can gain traction in a crowded field dominated by figures like incumbent Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika . For now, the focus remains on whether the Kaliya-Kagona ticket can translate its reformist messaging into tangible support ahead of the September vote.