March 2026 By-Elections

Electoral calendar for by-elections

An electoral calendar is an official schedule produced by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), that outlines all key activities and deadlines for each election. It shows what will happen, when it will happen, and who is responsible, from the start of electoral preparations up to the announcement of results and post-election processes

The electoral calendar for the 17 March 2026 by-elections is as follows:

• Voter Registration This will run for 7 days from 31 January to 6 February 2026.  All those who are 18 and above or will turn 18 years by 17 March 2026 should go and register. They need to bring proof of registration with the National registration Bureau (NRB). All those who registered for the 2025 election need not to register again
• Inspection and verification of the voters’ register: this will run from 17 to 18 February 2025. All registered voters, both for 2025 and those that will register now, should go to the centre where they registered and verify their details. If they lost their voter certificates, they should ask for a replacement. Verification can also be done through phone by dialing *2509# and follow instructions.
• Nomination of candidates: nomination fees at the time of collecting nomination papers. The nomination fee is non-refundable. Nomination papers will be available for collection from the respective council offices from 20 January. Nomination fees for local government elections are K200,000 for men and K100,000 for women, people with disabilities and the youth.

Nomination fees for parliamentary elections are K2,500,000 for men and K1,250,000 for women, people with disabilities and the youth. Presentation of nomination papers will be on 21 February 2026.

• Submission of intent to contest: all candidates who were duly nominated in all other by-election areas minus Rumphi Central and Muonekera ward, they should collect, sign and submit letter of intent to contest from the Constituency Returning Officer.
• Pre-examination of nomination papers: The Commission has set aside 20^th February 2026 for aspirants or their representatives to bring their nomination papers for pre-examination. This arrangement does not preclude candidates from requesting for pre-inspection at any point before presentation.
• Campaign: The campaign period starts 15 January and ends at 06.00AM on 15^th March 2026.
• Inspection of polling materials: The Commission has set aside 16 March from 9AM for inspection of polling materials. The Presiding Officers in all polling stations will open and check all the materials, including ballot papers, to ensure that they are the right ones and in right quantities. This will be done in the presence of political party or candidate representatives.
• Polling: This will take place on 17 March starting from 6.00AM up to 4.00PM. When going for voting, all voters should take their voter certificates for easy identification. If lost, they will still be required to go to the centre where they registered and the presiding officer will assist them to vote.
• Vote counting and results announcement: Vote counting will start immediately after polling at the polling station. The Commission will announce official results on 20 March 2026.

Download Stakeholders Calander 

Campaign period for 17 March By-election

The official campaign period started on Thursday, 15 January 2026 and will run for 60 days, closing on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 6:00am.

By law, the campaign period is fixed at 60 days. This means that all organised campaign activities must take place strictly within this timeframe, and no person is allowed to campaign after the campaign period has ended. Any form of campaigning conducted outside this legally prescribed period constitutes a criminal offence and may attract prosecution.

The campaign period is the legally prescribed timeframe during which political parties, candidates, and their supporters are permitted to conduct organised activities aimed at persuading voters to support them in an election. It creates an opportunity for candidates to present their policies, programmes, and development agendas to the electorate, while allowing voters to listen to different viewpoints, compare options, and make informed choices.

The campaign period is separate from the nomination process. Aspiring candidates and their followers are free to engage in campaign-related activities even before the presentation of nomination papers. However, such activities must still comply with all other applicable laws and regulations. Once the official campaign period has closed, all forms of campaigning must stop.

All campaign activities must be conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates. This means campaigns should be peaceful, respectful, and issue-based. Candidates and their supporters are expected to focus on discussing policies and solutions rather than using insulting, threatening, or inflammatory language. Such conduct not only violates the law but can also provoke tension, restrict others from campaigning freely, and undermine peace and stability.

Those organising campaign meetings, rallies, or processions are required to follow all prescribed procedures when booking and using venues, whether public or private. This includes obtaining the necessary permissions from relevant authorities and property owners. Observing these procedures helps to prevent clashes, reduce misunderstandings, and ensure the safety of participants and the general public.

The law also prohibits the use of public resources for campaign purposes. No candidate or political party may receive or use any contribution or donation, in cash or in kind, from the State, any organ or agency of the State, or any state-owned enterprise.

Public resources include any property owned by government, statutory bodies, or state-owned institutions. This prohibition is intended to protect the principle of equal competition and to prevent abuse of public office for political advantage.

In addition, the giving of handouts during the campaign period is banned. Distributing money, food, goods, or any other items intended to influence voters is illegal and undermines the freedom of choice that is central to democratic elections.

Download Electoral Code of Conduct for Political parties and Candidates

Voter Registration process

Voter registration is a fundamental component of any electoral process. Before any election can be held, the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act mandates the conduct of voter registration for a period of not less than seven (7) days and not more than fourteen (14) days. This legal requirement ensures that all eligible citizens who are not yet on the voters’ register are given an opportunity to register and participate in the election.

For the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for 17 March 2026, voter registration will be conducted for seven (7) days, from Friday, 31 January to Thursday, 6 February 2026. Take note there will be no registration of voters in NKhotakota LIwaladzi because the court ruled that the people eligible to vote in the by-election are those that registered ahead of the 2025 General Election.

Registration centres will open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm throughout the registration period. This schedule applies to all seven days, including Saturday and Sunday, and registration centres will operate continuously without observing a lunch break. Eligible voters are therefore encouraged to plan their time and visit registration centres early to avoid last-minute congestion.

On the final day of registration, 6 February 2026, the Elections Management System will automatically close voter registration on the Election Management Devices (EMDs) at exactly 4:00pm. No registration will be possible after this time. All eligible voters are strongly advised to present themselves for registration well before 4:00pm to ensure that their details are successfully captured.

Who Is Eligible to Register

Voter registration is strictly for eligible citizens, or persons who have ordinarily been resident for seven years, who are not already registered as voters.

Eligible persons should be aged 18 years and above, as well as those who will attain the age of 18 by polling day, 17 March 2026.

It is important to emphasize that this registration exercise is intended only for people who did not register during the 2025 General Election. Any person who registered in 2025, regardless of whether they voted or not, must not register again.

Registering more than once as a voter is a criminal offence. Any person found to have registered multiple times will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Voters are therefore urged to be honest and comply with the legal requirements.

Proof of Eligibility to Register

In line with Section 12 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, every person presenting themselves for voter registration must provide proof that they are registered with the National Registration Bureau (NRB).

The following documents are acceptable as proof of national registration:

• A valid national ID
• An expired national ID (expired IDs are acceptable because Government has extended the suspension of expiry dates of national identity cards to 1 January 2027)
• An NRB system-generated printed slip bearing the individual’s name and unique national ID number

No other documents will be accepted for purposes of voter registration.

It is the responsibility of every eligible voter to ensure that they have one of the above documents when they go to a registration centre.

Important Advisory to Applicants

For these by-elections, there will be no National Registration Bureau staff at voter registration centres. This means that people who do not have a national ID, have lost their ID, or have challenges with their proof of registration will not be assisted at voter registration centres.

Such individuals are advised to visit the nearest NRB office well in advance of the voter registration period to resolve their documentation issues.

Inspection of the Voters’ Register

Inspection of the Voters’ Register is a critical step in the electoral process that allows registered voters to confirm that their personal details are correctly captured in the voters’ register before polling day. This exercise helps to promote accuracy, transparency, and confidence in the voters’ register, which is the foundation of a credible election.

For the forthcoming by-elections, two (2) days have been set aside for inspection of the voters’ register, on 17 February and 18 February 2026.

During this period, all registered voters in the by-election areas are expected to verify their details at the voter registration centre where they originally registered. This includes:

• Voters who registered during the 2025 General Election, and
• Voters who will register during the current voter registration exercise for the by-elections.

Inspection centres will be open from 8:00am to 4:00pm on both days and will operate continuously without observing a lunch break.

Why Inspection Is Important

The inspection exercise enables voters to:

• Confirm that their names appear in the voters’ register
• Check that their personal details, such as name, sex, and polling centre, are correct
• Identify and report any errors, omissions, or discrepancies
• Ensure that they are assigned to the correct polling station

Voters who fail to inspect their details risk encountering problems on polling day, including finding that their names are missing from the register or that their details are incorrect.

Electronic Verification Using Mobile Phones

In addition to physical inspection at registration centres, registered voters can also verify their registration details electronically by dialing *2509# on either TNM or Airtel networks, free of charge.

This service allows voters to check whether they are registered and confirm basic details. Voters are encouraged to use this facility ahead of the official inspection dates so that, if any problem is detected, they can present themselves at the centre where they registered during the inspection period to have the issue resolved.

Replacement of Lost Voter Certificates

Registered voters who have lost their voter certificates are encouraged to visit the centre where they registered during the inspection period to request a replacement certificate free of charge and no police report is required. The replacement certificate will be used on polling day as part of the identification process.

A Call to All Registered Voters

All registered voters in the by-election areas are strongly encouraged to participate in the inspection of the voters’ register. Taking time to verify details is a simple but essential action that helps safeguard individual voting rights and strengthens the integrity of the election.

Inspection of the voters’ register is not merely a formality; it is a protective measure that ensures every eligible voter is correctly recorded and able to exercise their right to vote on polling day.

Nomination of Candidates  

The Commission has put in place specific nomination procedures for the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for 17 March 2026, considering the different circumstances under which vacancies arose in the affected constituencies and wards. These arrangements are designed to ensure that the nomination process is fair, lawful, and responsive to each unique situation, while providing clarity to political parties, independent candidates, and the electorate.

In Nkhotakota Liwaladzi Constituency, the nomination process is restricted to candidates who were duly nominated and accepted to contest in the 16 September 2025 General Election. No new candidates will be admitted. However, eligible candidates must still formally confirm their intention to participate in the by-election by collecting, signing, and submitting a Letter of Intent to Contest to the Constituency Returning Officer by 20 February 2026. This letter serves as an official declaration of continued interest in the race. Any candidate who fails to submit the letter will be deemed to have withdrawn, and their name will not appear on the ballot. Candidates in Nkhotakota Liwaladzi are not required to pay nomination fees or submit new nomination papers.

A different arrangement applies to Rumphi Central Constituency and Muonekera Ward in Thyolo Goliati Constituency. In these two areas, all aspiring candidates, regardless of whether they contested in the 2025 General Election or not, are required to pay the prescribed nomination fees and collect nomination papers from their respective council offices. They must complete and submit the nomination papers on 21 February 2026. This requirement applies equally to party-sponsored and independent candidates.

For rest of the constituencies and wards, the Commission has adopted a mixed approach. Candidates who were duly nominated to contest in the 16 September 2025 General Election are not required to submit fresh nomination papers or pay nomination fees. Instead, they must collect, sign, and submit a Letter of Intent to Contest to the Constituency Returning Officer. On the other hand, individuals who did not previously contest in the affected constituency or ward, but now wish to join the race, are required to pay the applicable nomination fees, collect nomination papers, complete them, and submit them to the Constituency Returning Officer within the stipulated period.

The Commission further reminds all stakeholders that candidates who were duly nominated in the 2025 General Election are not permitted to change their political party affiliation for the by-elections. Similarly, political parties that sponsored candidates in 2025 are not allowed to replace those candidates using same nomination papers.

View Case Summary – MEC v Daniel Binda

Monitoring by Party and Candidate Representatives

The Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act expressly provides for monitoring of voter registration, inspection of the voters’ register, polling, and vote counting by representatives of political parties and independent candidates.

Monitoring of Voter Registration and Inspection of the Voters’ Register

Section 16(1) of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act provides that:

“A political party intending to sponsor a candidate in an election, or an independent candidate intending to contest in an election, shall have the right to monitor the registration of voters and shall do so through designated representatives assigned to specified registration centres and whose names shall be notified in writing to the Commission, and in the absence of such notification by any political party or independent candidate, it shall be presumed that the political party or independent candidate does not desire to monitor the registration of voters.”

In line with this provision, political parties and aspiring candidates may place representatives at voter registration centres to observe the registration of voters and the inspection of the voters’ register.

Section 16(3) further states that:

“A political party or an independent candidate shall not assign more than two representatives to one registration centre.”

Accordingly, political parties and independent candidates may deploy up to two (2) representatives per registration centre.

To facilitate accreditation, the names of representatives for voter registration and inspection of the voters’ register must be submitted to the respective District Election Offices on or before 29 January 2026.

In accordance with Section 16(2), the Commission shall issue every designated representative with an official document of identity in the prescribed form.

Rights and Duties of Representatives during Voter Registration

Section 17(1) of the Act provides that a representative of a political party or independent candidate has the right to:

1. be treated with due respect and consideration by all persons administering the registration of voters and by representatives of other political parties or independent candidates;
2. request and obtain information on activities relating to the registration of voters; and
3. submit to the Commission, in writing, complaints or appeals about any irregularities in the registration of voters.

At the same time, Section 17(2) outlines the duties of representatives, which include:

• monitoring registration activities conscientiously and objectively;
• cooperating with registration officers to ensure that registration proceeds smoothly and avoiding unjustified interference;
• refraining from submitting complaints or appeals in bad faith or with the purpose of paralyzing the registration process; and
• refraining from divulging any information about a registered voter or a person intending to register as a voter obtained in the course of monitoring.

Section 17(3) further provides that:

“The Commission shall determine every complaint or appeal lodged under subsection (1)(c) before the polling day and shall remedy any confirmed irregularity.”

These provisions ensure that monitoring is conducted responsibly and constructively.

Monitoring of Polling and Vote Counting

The law also provides for monitoring of polling and counting of votes. Section 25(1) of the Act states that:

“A candidate may appoint not more than two persons to be his or her election representatives at each polling centre and shall submit names of the persons so appointed to the returning officer of the area where he or she is a candidate, or intends to be a candidate.”

In line with this provision, political parties and independent candidates may deploy up to two (2) representatives per polling station to observe voting and counting of votes. Similarly, political parties and independent candidates may place up to two (2) representatives at each Constituency Tally Centre to monitor tallying of results.

Section 25(2) further provides that an election representative must:

• be a citizen of Malawi; and
• not be a candidate in the election.

Accreditation of Observers

Election observation is a vital component of a transparent, accountable, and credible electoral process. The law allows civil society organisations (CSOs), institutions, and individual citizens to observe electoral activities to enhance public confidence and promote adherence to electoral laws and procedures.

All CSOs and individuals who wish to observe by-election activities while stationed at any voter registration centre are required to apply for accreditation through their respective MEC District Election Offices.

The deadline for submitting applications to observe voter registration and verification of the voters’ register is 29 January 2026, while applications to observe polling and counting must be submitted on or before 10 March 2026.

For roving observers—those who wish to move across several registration centres or polling stations—applications, including a duly completed application form and passport-size photographs, must be submitted directly to the MEC Chief Elections Officer through email at ceo@mec.org.mw by 29 January 2026.

All persons representing accredited observer organisations are required to abide by the Code of Conduct Governing Observers. Any accredited observer found guilty of violating an election law shall be disqualified from observing the election.

Legal Basis for Accreditation

Section 103(1) of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act provides that:

“Any person may apply to the Commission, in the prescribed manner, for accreditation to observe an election.”

The Commission may require additional information in support of an application. Where an applicant is accredited, the Commission shall:

(a) issue a certificate of accreditation stating the period and conditions of accreditation; and
(b) enter the name of the applicant in the register of persons accredited as observers in the election.

In deciding whether to accredit an applicant, the Commission considers whether the accreditation will promote conditions conducive to a free, fair, and credible election and, in the case of organisations, whether their appointed observers will:

1. observe impartially and independently of any political party or candidate;
2. be competent and professional; and

• subscribe to the code of conduct governing observers.

Where an application is rejected, the applicant shall be informed in writing with reasons. The Commission may also cancel an accreditation if an observer fails to comply with the conditions of accreditation or the code of conduct.

Scope of Election Observation

Section 104(1) of the Act states that observation includes:

(a) verifying and monitoring the impartiality and functioning of the Commission and its officers;
(b) verifying and monitoring the legality of decisions taken in settling disputes;
(c) verifying and monitoring the registration of voters;
(d) observing the conduct of the campaign;
(e) verifying and monitoring the voting process;
(f) verifying and monitoring the determination of results at all stages; and
(g) observing access to and use of the media.

Observers are required to report any irregularities to the Commission or its officers. Where an irregularity is confirmed, corrective measures shall be taken.

Cooperation with Observers

Under Section 106, the Commission, its officers, and other competent public authorities shall cooperate with observers and offer the necessary guarantees and facilities to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

Application for accreditation of observers

 Download accreditation form

Download Handbook Election Election Monitoring and Observation

Polling and results counting

Polling is the most important stage of the by-election process because it is the point at which eligible voters exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives. It is therefore essential that all procedures surrounding polling are well understood by voters, candidates, political parties, and other stakeholders to ensure that the process is transparent, orderly, and credible.

Pre-checking of Polling Materials

As part of preparations for polling day, pre-checking of polling materials will be conducted on 16 March 2026, between 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon, at all polling stations in the by-election areas. This exercise is meant to confirm that each polling station has received the correct election materials and in the required quantities.

During this exercise, Presiding Officers will open and inspect all election materials, including the packaging for ballot papers, results sheets, ballot boxes, voter verification equipment, and other essential supplies. The purpose is to ensure that materials are intact, properly labeled, and sufficient for the number of registered voters at each station.

Representatives of independent candidates and contesting political parties are encouraged to attend the pre-checking exercise so that they can observe the process. However, it should be clearly noted that the pre-checking exercise will proceed as scheduled even if party or candidate representatives fail to report or arrive late at the polling station.

After completing the pre-checking of materials, Presiding Officers will brief party and independent candidate representatives on the polling procedures. This briefing will cover key steps in the voting process, voter identification, handling of ballot papers, management of queues, and the counting and transmission of results. This interaction helps ensure that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of how polling will be conducted.

Polling Day Procedures

Polling will take place on 17 March 2026, from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All polling stations will open at 6:00 AM, and voters who are in the queue by 4:00 PM will be allowed to vote even if voting continues beyond that time.

For voter identification, Biometric Voter Verification Devices (BVVDs) will be used alongside the physical voters’ register. The BVVDs will help confirm the identity of each voter and prevent multiple voting. Once a voter’s identity has been verified, they will be issued with a ballot paper, proceed to the voting booth, mark their choice in secret, and deposit the ballot in the ballot box.

Voters are encouraged to bring their voter registration certificates when coming to vote, as this will make the identification process easier and faster. However, voters who have lost their certificates or cannot find them should not be discouraged from going to the polling station. Such voters should report to the polling station where they registered, and polling staff will assist them to vote once they are positively identified in the voters’ register.

All voters are expected to observe the rules at polling stations, including maintaining order, following instructions from polling staff, and respecting the secrecy of the vote. No campaigning is allowed within or around polling stations on polling day.

Vote Counting at Polling Stations

Vote counting will be conducted at the same polling station where voting took place. Counting will begin at 4:00 PM, or immediately after the last voter has cast their ballot.

Independent candidate and political party representatives are expected to be present during vote counting. After counting is completed, the results will be recorded on official results sheets. Party and independent candidate representatives will be required to sign the results sheets to confirm that they have witnessed the process. Each representative will receive a copy of the results, and another copy will be publicly displayed at the polling station for the information of voters and other stakeholders.

Transmission, Tallying and Announcement of Results

After completion of counting at the polling station, the Presiding Officer will transport the results to the Constituency Tally Centre. At the tally centre, results from all polling stations in the constituency will be aggregated. The aggregated results will then be transmitted both physically and electronically to the National Tally Centre.

Offences and Penalty

The Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act clearly outlines a wide range of acts that constitute electoral offences. These provisions are meant to protect the integrity of elections, safeguard the rights of voters and candidates, and ensure that all electoral processes are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Any person who commits any of the offences described below commits an offence and is liable to prosecution and penalties as provided by law.

Offences Relating to Registration of Voters

It is an offence for any person to obtain registration by providing false information, to obtain registration in more than one registration area, or to register another person knowing that the person is not eligible. It is equally illegal to prevent the registration of a person who is eligible, or, where one has authority to do so, to fail to delete a registration that is known to be incorrect.

Other offences include falsifying a voters’ register, fraudulently modifying or substituting a voter’s registration certificate, preventing another person from registering through violence, threats, or fraud, and knowingly obstructing the detection of incorrect registrations or the verification of the voters’ roll.

Offences Relating to Campaigning

The law criminalises holding a public meeting contrary to the law, preventing or interrupting an authorised public meeting, and campaigning or causing another person to campaign within forty-eight hours before the opening of the poll or on polling day.

It is also an offence to deny any political party equal treatment, to destroy, deface, tear, or render useless campaign materials lawfully displayed, or to superimpose other materials over existing ones. A person entrusted with displaying campaign materials who fails to do so, or who misplaces, steals, removes, or destroys such materials, also commits an offence.

Additionally, dismissing or threatening to dismiss a person from employment, or applying sanctions because that person attended or did not attend a campaign meeting, is prohibited.

Offences Relating to Voting

A person commits an offence if, without being authorised or registered, they present themselves at a polling station, or if, knowing they are not eligible, they cast a vote. Fraudulently using another person’s identity to vote, voting more than once, or allowing an ineligible person to vote are criminal acts.

It is also illegal to influence how a blind or disabled voter casts their ballot against their wishes, to reveal one’s vote or force another person to reveal their vote within one hundred metres of a polling station, or to use violence, threats, false information, or fraud to induce a person to vote for or against a candidate or political party, or to abstain from voting.

Public officers are prohibited from using their office to influence voting, and no person may threaten loss of employment or apply any sanction to induce voting behaviour.

Offences by Election and Security Officers

Presiding officers who fail to display ballot boxes as required, unlawfully introduce ballot papers into ballot boxes, conceal or remove uncounted ballot papers, or neglect their duties with intent to cause irregularities commit offences.

It is also an offence for polling staff to refuse to receive or address complaints, to disturb polling station operations, or to refuse to leave a polling station when directed. Police officers who fail to keep order when assigned, or who neglect their duties, also commit offences.

Other Electoral Offences

Using force or threats to compel a person to sign or not sign nomination papers, fraudulently tampering with election documents, submitting complaints in bad faith, or neglecting obligations imposed by the Act without justification are all offences.