The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has designated July 16, 2025, as the special day for all aspiring candidates in the September 16 general election to inspect their nomination papers.
MEC Director of Media and Public Relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa announced this in the commission’s routine updates released to the public on Tuesday, July 8.
Mwafulirwa noted that, as of the close of business on Tuesday, the number of presidential aspirants remained at fifteen.
Sangwani Mwafulirwa
The announcement comes as the commission prepares to officially launch the national campaign period on Monday, July 14, 2025. Campaigning will run until September 14, two days before the polling day on September 16.
The inspection of nomination papers allows candidates to verify the accuracy of their submitted documents before the electoral process moves into the active campaign phase.
Just one week after suspending coach Eliya Phiri, Mchinji Villa Football Club has named former Creck Sporting coach Joseph Kamwendo as their new head coach.
The NBS National First Division League side has endured a difficult season, failing to secure a single win in six matches and managing only three points from three draws.
Kamwendo, a former Malawi national team player, was officially unveiled during a ceremony in Mchinji on Tuesday. He is set to lead the team in their upcoming match against FOMO FC this Saturday at Mchinji Community Ground.
Kamwendo new coach
At the unveiling, Kamwendo expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating that he is eager to help the club achieve its objectives. “I know the team has set goals, and with my experience, I believe we can work together to reach them,” he said.
Club officials confirmed that suspended coach Eliya Phiri has officially left the team, with only a few formalities remaining to finalize his departure.
Currently, Zomba-based Red Lions lead the NBS Bank National Division League table, while Mchinji Villa sits in 11th place in the 12-team league. The appointment of Kamwendo signals the club’s hopes for a turnaround in their struggling campaign.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is currently in Malawi conducting a capacity gap assessment on social and behavior change (SBC) in the country’s health sector.
The assessment, led by Dr. Priscilla Madzinga, Africa CDC’s Continental Social and Behavior Change Coordinator, aims to evaluate how frontline health workers promote positive health behaviors and identify opportunities to strengthen their skills.
Dr. Priscilla Madzinga,
Dr. Madzinga emphasized that while resources often pour in during public health emergencies, sustaining behavioral change remains a challenge once crises fade. “We want to understand how health workers implement promotive behaviors and how we can enhance their competencies for long-term impact,” she explained.
Dr. Kondwani Mamba, Deputy Director for Community and Promotive Health Services in Malawi, welcomed the initiative, stating that it presents an opportunity for Malawi to highlight its successes while addressing gaps in health promotion.
“This assessment will help us sustain positive health behaviors beyond emergencies, ensuring lasting improvements in public health,”Dr. Mamba said.
The findings from the exercise will guide strategies to reinforce health education, community engagement, and preventive health measures across Malawi and potentially other African nations.
The Africa CDC’s visit underscores its commitment to strengthening health systems resilience and ensuring that behavioral change interventions continue to benefit communities long after immediate health threats subside.
Malawi’s First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, has joined fellow First Ladies and Gentlemen from around the world at the Third Annual Global Academy for First Ladies and Gentlemen in New York, USA. The prestigious event, organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance (GFLA), serves as a platform for leaders to exchange experiences and address common challenges in governance and advocacy.
Since its inception in 2023, the GFLA Academy has provided critical training on leadership, public health, women’s empowerment, and strategic policymaking. This year’s theme, *“Leading from Within: The Power of Self and Resilience in Leadership,”* focuses on strengthening the role of First Partners in global development, youth empowerment, and transforming ideas into actionable policies.
The event, held at the Ford Foundation in partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health**, has brought together prominent figures, including First Lady Gueta Chapo of Mozambique and former First Lady of Iceland, Mrs. Eliza Reid.
Madame Chakwera in New York
Madame Chakwera’s participation underscores her commitment to leveraging international partnerships to advance Malawi’s development agenda, particularly in health, education, and women’s leadership. The forum also highlights the growing influence of First Ladies and Gentlemen in shaping policies that impact their nations and the world.
The GFLA Academy continues to foster collaboration among regional networks, including the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), the Alliance of Latin American Spouses (ALMA), and the European Network of First Ladies and Gentlemen.
As the sessions progress, discussions will explore innovative strategies for youth development, resilience in leadership, and collective action to drive sustainable change globally.
Political commentator Lyson Sibande,has described the absence of opposition political party leaders from the country’s 61st Independence Day celebrations as a missed opportunity.
The celebrations, held at Bingu National Stadium(BNS) in Lilongwe on Sunday, provided a platform for political leaders to demonstrate their love for the country ahead of the general elections.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Sibande said the occasion would have been an ideal opportunity for leaders to showcase their patriotism and commitment to national unity.
Sibande
“This was an opportunity for our leaders to show that their desire to lead is not driven by personal interest, rather patriotism by sitting together with others while promoting unity and coexistence,” he said.
The commentator urged Malawians not to let politics divide the nation, especially during events of national importance like Independence Day.
“We should strive for unity and coexistence, even in the face of differing political opinions,” he added.
In a related development, Board Chairperson of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), Robert Mkwezalamba,has called for a more inclusive organizing committee for future national events.
Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule on July 6, 1964.
The country celebrates the day on July 6 every year.
