Political scientist and governance scholar Wonderful Mkhutche has warned that political tensions could escalate in areas considered strongholds of certain parties as campaign period approaches.

The official campaign period for the September 16, 2025 elections will start from July 14 2025 to September 14 2025.

Mkhutche pointed out that recent violence in which a group of panga-wielding thugs attacked demonstrators and burned vehicles in full view of police officers and soldiers in Lilongwe has angered some political parties—especially those that supported the peaceful demonstrations calling for the resignation of MEC Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.

He said this has created a volatile atmosphere, which could be used by some parties as an opportunity to regroup and make a political comeback.

However, Mkhutche also emphasized that while there were challenges at the start of the electoral process, Malawi’s multiparty democracy requires inclusiveness and tolerance.