The stage is set for Malawi's 2025 Presidential Debates, with five major political parties confirming their candidates' participation next month.

The Debate Taskforce announced the finalized lineup on Monday, outlining a series of three engagements designed to inform voters ahead of the polls.

Taskforce Chairperson Golden Matonga, addressing journalists in Lilongwe, confirmed the debates will feature exclusively candidates representing parties affiliated with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD). 

He reported receiving "overwhelming feedback" securing commitments from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), UTM Party, United Democratic Front (UDF), and the Peoples Party (PP).

"The debates present a crucial opportunity for Malawians to evaluate presidential hopefuls directly," Matonga stated. 

He emphasized their broader purpose: "These forums aim to promote open democracy and establish a clear benchmark for holding the eventual winner accountable to their campaign pledges. This accountability is essential for driving tangible national progress."

The debates are scheduled across three key dates: Thursday, August 21, Friday, August 29 and Thursday, September 4 with all events convening at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

This series marks the third installment of structured presidential debates in Malawi's democratic history, building upon the inaugural event held in 2014 and subsequent debates. 

The initiative is facilitated through the CMD, an institution founded in 2003 by the country's major political parties to foster dialogue and strengthen multiparty democracy.

Regarding participation criteria, CMD Executive Director Boniface Chibwana clarified the framework used for candidate selection. 

"Our focus was on parties demonstrating a sustained commitment to democratic principles, seriousness of purpose, political tolerance, and a national footprint," Chibwana explained. “Specifically, this included parties fielding candidates in over 50% of parliamentary constituencies nationwide." 

This criterion inherently limited the platform to parties with established, broad-based national campaigns affiliated with the CMD structure.

Voters across Malawi are encouraged to follow the debates, which are expected to be broadcast live on major national television and radio networks, providing a vital platform to assess the policies, visions, and leadership qualities of the contenders vying for the presidency.