As Malawi approaches its pivotal September 16 elections, Vice President Michael Usi and opposition leaders have unveiled starkly contrasting visions to address the nation’s economic turmoil and governance challenges.

The elections, to be conducted under the 50%+1 threshold, will test public trust in a government grappling with inflation exceeding 30% and 71% poverty rates .  

Nominated under his newly formed Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu party while retaining the vice presidency, Usi struck a pragmatic tone on Tuesday while presenting his presidential nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

Leveraging his dual role as vice president and former minister Usi said, “I pledge to overhaul bureaucratic inefficiencies.”

Notably, the Vice President avoided direct criticism of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration, instead aligning his rhetoric with recent anti-corruption reforms—a nod to public demands for accountability.

However, opposition leaders seized on Malawi’s economic distress. 

David Mbewe, leader of the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party, lambasted the government’s record: “Malawians suffer while leaders make empty promises.”

He demanded MEC address voter concerns, reflecting broader anxieties about electoral integrity over its use of Smartmatic devices, despite MEC’s assurances that voting will remain manual, with only result transmission digitized.

Jordan Sauti, president of the Patriotic Citizens Party and a mining expert, brandished a mineral sample to symbolize his plan to fund free education through resource revenues. 

“Having a free education system will enable Malawians to progress and play an integral role in developing the country,” he declared.

Independent candidate Thoko Banda framed his campaign as a liberation from poverty, echoing widespread disillusionment in a nation where 70% live on under $2.15 daily. 

The race is marked by fragmentation, with 23 registered parties and coalition-building likely under the 50%+1 rule .  

Meanwhile, MEC faces scrutiny over new voting technology and a K97.9 billion budget shortfall for a potential runoff.