MEC CHAIRPERSON
The Malawi Electoral Commission MEC has launched the 17 March 2026 by-elections for five vacant constituencies and nine wards.
The vacancies arose due to death of candidates, postponement and nullification of elections by MEC as well as court orders and judgments.
Launching the by-elections and official campaign period, MEC Chairperson Annabbel Mtalimanja says voter registration will commence on 31 January to 6 February 2026 but transfer of voters will not be allowed.
Malimanja said candidates will start collecting nomination papers on 20th January to 20th February 2026 and presentation of the papers will be held on 21 February 2026
She adds that official campaign period which commences today will close on 15 March 2026
“All electoral stakeholders are reminder that the law has banned the giving of handouts. Should anyone one witness they are advised to report to the office of the registrar of political parties within seven days.
She further said in Rumphi central constituency and Muona ward In Thyolo all candidates will be required to pay nomination fees regardless of the fact that they contested on 16h September 2025.
“In all the by election areas new candidates are welcome to contents, this is regardless of whether they contested in another constituency or ward on 16th September 2025,” said Mtalimanja.
Ntalimanja however said the by-elections will not take place in Nzimba hora constituency and Nsanje south constituency because the election cases are currently in court.
Male contestants in the parliamentary elections are required to pay 2.5 million kwacha while female candidates, youth and people with disabilities will pay half of the amount.
In the local government by-elections male candidates are required to pay 250,000 kwacha while women, youth and people with disabilities will pay 125,000 kwacha.
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