LILONGWE, Sept 15 (The African Portal) – Following the end of the 60-day official campaign period at 6am yesterday, presidential candidates in the September 16 2025 General Election have asked Malawians to turn out in large numbers tomorrow and maintain peace.
The hopefuls, including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former president Peter Mutharika leading the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), expressed the sentiments in separate interviews with The Nation yesterday.
In a written response, Chakwera, through his press secretary Anthony Kasunda, observed that Malawians conducted themselves peacefully during the just-ended campaign period and expressed optimism that they will continue maintaining peace during and after the elections.
He said: “As a person who swore an oath to always uphold the Constitution, His Excellency assures all Malawians that all necessary measures have been put in place nationwide to ensure that the State institutions responsible for the safety and security of Malawians in general and of voters, electoral personnel, election materials and polling centres in particular, remain vigilant and on high alert in the coming days to maintain public order and to neutralise any foreign or domestic threats to the peace and freedom Malawians have enjoyed thus far.”
Kasunda said the President is expected to cast his vote at Malembo, his home village in Lilongwe Rural tomorrow morning.
On his part, Mutharika, speaking through his spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, urged Malawians to turnout in large numbers and vote regardless of their political, tribal or any affiliations.
Namalomba said Mutharika will spend post-campaign days with his family and in prayer for Malawi.
He added that Mutharika, who is mostly based at his beachside home in Mangochi, will cast his vote at Chisoka Primary School at Goliati in Thyolo tomorrow morning.
On her part, former president Joyce Banda, presidential candidate for People’s Party (PP), expressed worry with the tension which had risen in some parts of the country during the campaign period.
She urged Malawians to maintain peace and order and demonstrate maturity during and after the election.
In an interview, Banda said: “I am asking other leaders to resist the temptation of using our innocent young men and women to fight for us because we are just going to lose lives for nothing.
“I also ask our security institutions to be vigilant and make sure that they protect Malawians and their property during this period.”
She said after the campaign, she is relaxing with her family and friends in her home village in Domasi, Zomba, where she will also cast her vote tomorrow.
In a separate interview, Vice-President Michael Usi, who is Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu torchbearer, also urged Malawians to turn out in large numbers to vote and refrain from violence. He said Malawians are one regardless of their political affiliations.
He said he will cast his vote at Namatete Primary School in Chirimba, Blantyre.
On how he is spending the period between end of campaign and polling day, Usi said he needed to disassociate himself with anything to do with politics and focus on something different.
United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi, who will cast his vote at Nainunje Primary School at Kapoloma in Machinga, said September 16 is the day Malawians have been waiting for to decide their future through their vote.
He urged Malawians to come together and choose hope, unity, and progress.
Said Atupele: “On Election Day, Malawi needs you. So, go out and vote. I will be spending this time in prayer and reflection, thanking the Almighty God for guiding us through a peaceful campaign. This is a sacred moment for our nation, and I continue to pray for peace, unity, and a successful outcome as we prepare for Malawi’s future.”
On his part, People’s Development Party leader Kondwani Nathumwa also urged Malawians to maintain peace during and after the elections.
UTM Party presidential candidate Dalitso Kabambe and independent candidates were not immediately available to outline their plans.
MEC data shows that there are about 7.2 million people expected to vote in tomorrow’s general elections.
Credit: Nation Online
