Some women’s rights activists in Malawi have raised concerns over the country’s sluggish progress toward gender equality in political leadership, as the 2025 general elections approach.

Malawi's political landscape is poised for a watershed moment as 20 presidential aspirants, including incumbent leader Lazarus Chakwera and two former heads of state, formally submitted nominations for the 16 September elections - marking the most crowded and competitive presidential race since the advent of multiparty democracy in 1994.

Independent presidential candidate Smart Swira has pledged to lead Malawi out of its current crises through bold anti-corruption measures, faith-driven leadership, and electoral reforms.

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.