Controversy has erupted in Malawi after the country sent first runner-up Ireen Navicha to represent it at the 2026 Miss World pageant instead of reigning Miss Malawi, Thandi Chisi.
Chisi was crowned Miss Malawi in December 2025 and was expected to represent the country at the international competition held in Vietnam.
However, when the Miss World pageant took place on September 5, it was Navicha who represented Malawi.
The development has sparked questions about the decision, particularly after it emerged that Navicha is the daughter of Malawi’s Cabinet Minister Mary Navicha.
The Miss Malawi organisation has defended its decision, citing concerns over Chisi’s eligibility and willingness to participate.
According to the organisers, Chisi had turned 27 by the time of the Miss World competition, while the agreement with the Miss World organisation reportedly sets the age limit at 26.
However, the age explanation has also come under scrutiny, as some other contestants at the 2026 Miss World pageant were reportedly 27 years old.
The organisers also claimed that Chisi had indicated during an orientation meeting in January that she was not particularly interested in participating in Miss World and was more focused on other international pageants.
Chisi has disputed this account, saying she was open to representing Malawi at Miss World after stepping back from another international pageant.
The controversy intensified following the revelation of Navicha’s relationship to the Cabinet minister, prompting some Malawians to question whether political connections influenced the decision.
The Miss Malawi organisation, however, denied any political interference, saying the decision was made by its secretariat and ratified by the board.
The organisation also defended Navicha’s selection on merit, pointing to her advocacy work, including a project supporting girls affected by teenage pregnancy and early marriage, as well as her campaign against period poverty.
Despite the explanation, questions remain over why the reigning Miss Malawi was not allowed to represent the country, with critics calling for greater transparency in the selection process.
Malawi’s participation at Miss World marked its return to the international pageant after a lengthy absence, but the dispute over its representative has overshadowed the country’s appearance at the competition.
