MALAWI: MEC Declares Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya Winner of Lilongwe Chilobwe Parliamentary Seat

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has officially declared Lawrence Chakakala Chaziya as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe Chilobwe constituency, a full month before the country’s general elections are set to take place.

According to a statement released today by MEC, Chaziya’s victory comes as he was the only candidate to submit nomination papers for the parliamentary race in the constituency.

This means there will be no parliamentary election in the area on polling day.

The letter, signed by MEC Chief Elections Officer Annabel Mtalimanja, confirmed that the declaration followed all legal electoral procedures. MEC said the decision aligns with the country’s electoral laws, which allow for an unopposed candidate to be automatically declared the winner.

Chaziya will now represent Lilongwe Chilobwe in the National Assembly without contest, but residents will still cast their votes for councillor and presidential positions during the September 16 general elections.

This development is rare in Malawi’s political scene, as most constituencies see multiple candidates vying for parliamentary seats. Analysts say the absence of competition in Lilongwe Chilobwe may point to strong grassroots support for Chaziya or a lack of political mobilization from other parties in the area.

MEC has urged the public to continue preparing for polling day in other contested positions, emphasizing that democratic participation remains crucial in shaping the nati

on’s leadership.