The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Saturday rejected the presidential nomination papers submitted by Reverend Hardwick Kaliya, who is contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming September 16 presidential election.

MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said the papers were incomplete and did not meet the required standards for candidacy.

According to Mtalimanja, Kaliya’s running mate, Theresa Sigele Kagona, did not sign the nomination documents, failed to submit all required supporting materials, and did not include a copy of her national ID photograph.

Mtalimanja advised Kaliya to correct the errors and resubmit the complete documents before the July 30 deadline to remain eligible to contest in the election.

Earlier this week, MEC also rejected the nomination papers of Dr. Daniel Dube of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) for similar reasons.