The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has made peaceful elections its central message as presidential candidates submit their nomination papers at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in preparation for the September 16 general elections.

Throughout the two-week nomination process, MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja consistently emphasized the importance of peace. 

“The campaign period is not about attacking each other," she reminded each candidate. "It is about presenting clear manifestos that will benefit Malawians. You have signed a code of conduct—please abide by it. Also, encourage your supporters to turn out in large numbers and vote on September 16."  

The Commission’s calls for harmony dominated the nomination events, with Mtalimanja stressing that credible elections require collective effort. 

“For elections to be credible, we must all work together to maintain calm," she reiterated.  

All presidential candidates submitting their nomination papers signed a code of conduct, committing to peaceful elections. The MEC will process all submissions and release the final list of competing candidates by August 8.  

Political analyst Yamikani Chitete, who also serves as acting District Commissioner for Ntchisi, highlighted the significance of MEC’s consistent messaging.  

“By making peace the dominant theme during nominations, the Commission is setting clear expectations from the outset,” she observed.  

Fellow analyst Peter Jegwa Kumwenda, a media and governance expert, added: "Repeating this message at such a crucial stage establishes important psychological markers for the upcoming campaign period."  

Jegwa Kumwenda further says, “the early emphasis on peaceful conduct will shape the entire electoral process.”

With voter registration surpassing 7.2 million, MEC has reaffirmed its commitment to free and fair elections.

Security agencies have meanwhile assured the public of adequate measures to protect all participants, while political parties have largely welcomed the Commission’s focus on harmony during this critical pre-election phase.