Storyline: Some 7.2 million registered voters are preparing to elect their leaders on Tuesday in Malawi, as the presidential campaign period for the general elections officially ended on Sunday. According to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), voters are expected to cast their votes across the country to elect the president, 229 parliamentary representatives, and 509 local government councilors on the polling day, which comes at a time of widespread economic challenges, fuel shortages and unemployment. In the presidential race, ruling Malawi Congress Party President Lazarus Chakwera and former president Peter Mutharika are considered front-runners in a crowded race of 17 candidates. Former president Joyce Banda is also seeking the country's top seat. "We are urging everyone who is involved in the electoral process to be more vigilant and work hard because the success of the general elections is dependent on the involvement of us all," said Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson of the MEC. Amongst the key issues that the winning presidential candidate will have to address, after taking office, is a struggling economy and shortages of food and fuel in parts of the country. Most Malawians say they're hoping for peaceful, free and fair polls -- though excitement for individual candidates is palpable. "I will be the happiest person if my presidential candidate wins this election. I will celebrate and feast for that win," said a resident. Election commission officials have their work cut out, as millions of Malawians prepare to head to the polls. They are keen to avoid a repeat of the mistakes that led to the nullification of the May 2019 election results. Shotlist: Malawi - Sept 15, 2025: 1. Voters waving flags at rally 2. Various of voters at rally 3. SOUNDBITE (Chichewa, dubbed in English) Annabel Mtalimanja, chairperson, Malawi Electoral Commission: "We are urging everyone who is involved in the electoral process to be more vigilant and work hard because the success of the general elections is dependent on the involvement of us all." 4. House, villagers 5. Bags of grain 6. People sitting on ground 7. SOUNDBITE (Chichewa, dubbed in English) resident (name not given) (ending with shot 8): "I will be the happiest person if my presidential candidate wins this election. I will celebrate and feast for that win." 8. Board showing campaign of ruling Malawi Congress Party President Lazarus Chakwera 9. Board showing campaign of former Malawian president Peter Mutharika 10. Various of woman at booth 11. Poster of Chakwera. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]