Michael Usi Unfazed by Election Timeline, Says No Need to Rush for Approval Letter

The leader of the Okudya Zake Alibe Mlandu party, who is also the Vice President of the country, Dr Michael Usi, has said that he is not in a hurry to obtain the letter of approval to contest in the upcoming presidential election.

Usi stated that he knows what he is doing and sees no need to rush.

His response comes at a time when many Malawians have been speculating whether he will go to the polls independently or form an alliance—particularly with growing suggestions that he may join forces with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

So far, 15 individuals have received letters of approval to contest the presidential election. The confirmed candidates are as follows:

1. Milward Tobias – Independent

2. Adil James Chilungo – Independent

3. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera – Malawi Congress Party (MCP)

4. Kondwani Nankhumwa – People’s Development Party (PDP)

5. Akwame Bandawe – Anyamata, Atsikana, Azimayi (AAA)

6. Joyce Banda – People’s Party (PP)

7. Atupele Austin Muluzi – United Democratic Front (UDF)

8. Reverend Hardwick Kaliya – Independent

9. Arthur Peter Mutharika – Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

10. Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo – National Development Party (NDP)

11. Dalitso Kabambe – UTM

12. Kamuzu Walter Chibambo – People’s Transformation Party (Petra)

13. Smart Swira – Independent

14. David Mbewe – Liberation for Economic Freedom Party (LEFP)

15. Cassim Chilumpha – Assembly for Democracy and Development (ADD)

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is expected to close the collection and submission of nomination papers on the 30th of this month.