The Presidential Debates Taskforce is upbeat that all five presidential candidates invited to participate in the final debate, will show up following extensive engagements with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Taskforce Chairperson, Golden Matonga, told Zodiak Online that, in view of the engagements, there is no reason to doubt the participation of all the candidates including candidates from MCP and DPP, who did not attend the previous debate.

The debate is scheduled to take place on the evening of tomorrow, Tuesday September 9th.

Matonga, however, could not confirm the participation of Mutharika and Chakwera.

Said Matonga, “we do not rule out anyone participating, we have an open-door policy and hope that all candidates will see the necessity of the debate and the two leaders, former president Mutharika and incumbent Chakwera will avail themselves.”

Nonetheless, just like the first debate, people should not anticipate to see Mutharika, as his spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba insisted in an interview that he (Mutharika) will not take part in the debate.

“DPP’s position is very clear, we are not participating in this debate and we communicated to organizers that DPP will not take part,” said Namalomba

The participation of MCP presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera also remains uncertain as the party’s spokesperson Jessie Kabwila asked for time consult.  

Some stakeholders have criticized the continued absence of some candidates, arguing that the debates offer a unique opportunity for voters to hear directly from those seeking the highest office.

Analysts say the platform is crucial for transparency, policy articulation and democratic engagement.

During national prayers for peace organized by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC), its Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale made a heartfelt plea to all candidates to take part in the debate.

“My final message to the presidential candidates is that you are all competing in a race. Elections are never won by gatherings during campaigns. The number of people at a rally are not votes. Let us be open to other possibilities such as the presidential debate,” said Monsignor Thawale. “There are times when the impossible becomes possible. Even the 50%+1 is within reach for each of you. Let us ground our narratives in truth and humility. God always performs wonders.”

The final debate is widely seen as a pivotal moment in the lead-up to Malawi’s elections, offering candidates a final national platform to communicate their vision to voters ahead of polling day.