Organisers of Malawi’s upcoming presidential debates are facing mounting criticism after restricting participation to candidates representing political parties currently in Parliament, a move opponents argue unfairly sidelines other contenders and undermines the democratic process.
The Presidential Debates Task Force, chaired by Golden Matonga, confirmed that only candidates from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), People’s Party (PP) and UTM Party will be allowed to participate.
Alliance for Democracy (Aford) was initially included, but its leader Enock Chihana failed to collect nomination papers, leaving five candidates eligible.
In total, 20 presidential hopefuls have collected nomination forms from the Malawi Electoral Commission and are set to begin filing their nominations, but 15 of them now find themselves excluded from the televised debates.
Matonga, who also serves as chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter, defended the decision, arguing it was driven by “logistical reasons” and a desire to make the debates meaningful by giving participants enough time to present their policies.
“We do not want to give a platform to candidates who have not done any critical work in the past, but just want to appear on the podium and participate in the debate,” Matonga said. While admitting the arrangement “may appear to give unfair advantage” to some, he insisted that the format mirrors practices in other democracies, including the United States.
However, several sidelined candidates expressed outrage. Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi Party’s presidential candidate Akwame Bandawe argued that the exclusion deprives Malawians of “new ideas and perspectives” that emerging candidates could offer.
Rhodes Msonkho, spokesperson for the People’s Development Party, added that “all candidates have something to offer voters” and should be given a platform.
Political analyst Ernest Thindwa called for either full inclusion of all contenders or outright cancellation of the debates, saying, “Anyone seeking to promote issue-based politics and fair elections must ensure that every candidate is given a fair chance.”
The debates, set to take place in Lilongwe in three rounds beginning on August 21 at the Bingu International Convention Centre, will be organised by a task force made up of media, government and civil society representatives.
Alongside the excluded independents — including Milward Tobias, Revelend Hardwick Kaliya, Cosmas Chipojola, Phunziro Mvula, Smart Swira and Adil Chilungo — the presidential race also features high-profile figures such as incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, former president Peter Mutharika, Joyce Banda, Atupele Muluzi and Dalitso Kabambe.
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