The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has declared September 16th 2025 a public holiday.
In a statement signed by Secretary for the Ministry, Richard Hara, the move is intended to give Malawians the opportunity to fully exercise their right to vote.
The ministry also extended its best wishes for a peaceful and successful polling process.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says under Section 74(2) of the 2023 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, the polling day on Tuesday, September 16, shall be a public holiday to ensure that every Malawian who has registered can exercise their constitutional right to vote at the polling centre where they registered or transferred to.
In a statement, MEC says recognises that certain sectors such as health, security, media, hospitality, manufacturing, transport, and retail must continue operating on polling day to maintain essential services.
“In these cases, MEC strongly urges employers to put in place measures that will ensures that all employees are able to cast their vote.
“Such measures may include allowing staff reasonable time off to vote, introducing flexible or voting-friendly shift systems; and reminding employees of their constitutional right and responsibility to participate in the elections.”
Malawi's general elections are scheduled for September 16, 2025, where voters will elect the president, members of the National Assembly, and local government councillors.
Key candidates include incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera and former President Peter Mutharika, with concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process following past controversies.
Approximately 7.2 million voters are registered to participate.
