The Department of Statutory Corporations has directed all board members serving in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Statutory Corporations who intend to contest in the 2025 parliamentary and local government elections to resign by 23rd July 2025.

The directive follows the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) announcement that aspiring candidates will begin collecting nomination papers from 24th to 30th July 2025.

In a statement signed by Comptroller of Statutory Corporations Peter Simbani, the department cited Section 51(2)(e) of the Constitution of Malawi, which disqualifies individuals holding public office at the time of nomination from contesting for a seat in Parliament.

The statement also referenced Section 51(1)(f) of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, which reinforces that persons serving in any public office, including board members of SOEs or statutory bodies, are ineligible for nomination.

The move is aimed at ensuring compliance with legal provisions and promoting a level playing field in the upcoming elections.