As Malawi gears up for the 16 September General Elections, a coalition of independent female political aspirants is seeking approximately K500 million to fund their political journey including covering nomination fees and campaign related expenses.

The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) has quashed calls made by some quarters that are calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja describing it as factually misguided and detrimental to the integrity of the electoral process.

A governance expert has expressed concern over a possible rise in null and void votes, electoral violence, and voter apathy in the upcoming September elections, citing limited civic and voter education activities on the ground due to funding shortfalls.

A Ukrainian- American political scientist Peter Zalmayev has urged Malawians to embrace peace ahead of the September 16, general elections.