3 independent presidential candidates obtain nomination papers: MMD’s Kuwani pay K2m fees
Three independent presidential pretenders in the upcoming Tripartite election have obtained their nomination papers, Malawi Electoral Commisson (MEC) has confirmed.
MEC spokesman Sangwani Mwafulirwa confirmed that the independents who have collected the nomination papers are little known Henry Mbewe, Smart Swira and Baxter Boyd Natulu.
US based aerospace engineer and space scientist, Dr Cedrick Ngalande who earlier told Nyasa Times he will run for presidency as an independent candidate has not collected his nomination papers and said he is not contesting.
Ngalande confirmed to Nyasa Times that he has deferred his interest to run for presidency.
The process of collecting nomination papers started on January 3.
MEC spokesman clarified that collecting nomination papers does not make one a candidate, saying “they need to fill it and submit to the nomination between February 4 and 8.”
Meanwhile, apart from the three independent candidate, the leader of newly-formed tiny Mbakuwaku Movement for Development (MMD), Peter Kuwani, has also obtained his paper and become the first to pay his nomination fees of K2 million.
Kuwani showed Nyasa Times a deposit slip that he deposited the money into MEC’s commercial bank account in Blantyre on Saturday.
President Peter Mutharika, who is seeking a second and mandatory final five year term on ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) banner, has collected his papers.
Fellow presidential candidates from opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) torch bearer Lazarus Chakwera, UTP president Saulos Chilima (State Vice-President) and former president Joyce Banda of People’s Party (PP) have also collected their nomination papers.
Yet to collect his papers is United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi, who is also Minister of Health in Mutharika’s cabinet.
According to MEC, the window of collecting the papers remains open until next month.
Presidential election hopefuls must secure the support of electorate in each district in their nomination forms.
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Thumbs up to Ngalande! Wise man.
The pastures in Malawi are as dry as the rocks on Mulanje Mountain, and life style is extremely existential for most of its citizens.
Better to stay where you are and practice your profession, without almost everyone pulling you down, man – there is a reason “Jelasi” is part of the National anthem.
Atupele will not collect the papers. He will be the second in command for DPP. Watch this space.
He collected
THESE PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS
SHOULD BE ADVISED COME FORWARD WITH A TELEVISED PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE AS TO WHAT THE COUNTRY SHOULD EXPECT FROM THEM —
This PETER KUWANI shud try councillor not presidency
Why?
I thought the other one picture is that of Diego Costa a former chelsea player
Kkkkk! That’s Cedric Ngalande, Malawi’s own rocket scientist- helping the United States govt to win its space science war against Russia and China.
I haven’t heard of Prof John Chisi lately. Won’t he contest this time around? Or perhaps he has been promised the running-mate slot in DPP…
Probably cant afford the fee.
Presidential pretenders eti????? Nyasatimes m’mayitha….
Atupele risks losing many Muslim voters if he doesn’t stand as a presidential candidate or a running mate. As it stands, he already faces some competition for that vote from Mia. Why lose more Muslim voters? Because Muslims will be sure of getting a vice presidency by voting for Chakwera and Mia, rather than banking on a promised second vice presidency through DPP. And a second vice president can be fired. UDF risks getting extinct. An alliance with DPP without a running mate position will be the last nail on UDF coffin. However, DPP/UDF alliance will not be formidable. Why?… Read more »
Good analysis. Atupele is a spent bullet now. There isnt much this guy can offer. UDF yatha ngati makatani. Being 2nd VP is a non starter and will get frustrated. We have seen how VPs are treated in Malawi. What more with 2nd VP. Atupele and his father thought he would become the running mate for DPPs president and were ready to get UDF back in power just as how DPP was formed out of UDF. The Muluzis have become very greedy and ready to do whatever for their own good. After all their relationship is benefiting the Atupele and… Read more »
Atupele we all know will not collect presidential nomination papers. Instead APM has collected for him. His new agenda is dead and buried. Now he is pondering on how to tell his blind followers about the secret marriage with DPP. That I hope marks the beginning of the end of UDF. Zinthu Zasinthadi