Reverend Patrick Semphere to moderate the final round of the Presidential debates scheduled for this evening (Friday) at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe, faceofmalawi can reveal.

Semphere will replace Grace Malera, a human rights lawyer who moderated the first and second Presidential debates.

Chairman of the organizing Taskforce Teresa Temweka Ndanga confirmed of the changes in a statement released on Friday made available to FOM’s reporter.

“The debate will be moderated by Reverend Patrick Semphere and will focus on youth related issues including: population growth, opportunities for the youth, private sector development, infrastructure and transportation, climate change and sustainable development,” reads in part the statement.

According to Ndanga, six of the eight Presidential candidates namely Dr. Lazarus Chakwera – Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Mr. Atupele Muluzi – United Democratic Front (UDF), Dr. Saulos Chilima – UTM, Professor John Chisi – Umodzi Party (UP), Mr. Peter Kuwani – Mbakuwaku Movement for Development (MMD) and Mr. Reverend Hadwick Kaliya – Independent have confirmed their participation.

She also disclosed that starting time for the debate has changed from 6 to 7:30 pm.

In addition to questions posed by the moderator, pre-recorded questions from Malawians will be posed to the candidates. The questions will be screened to ensure that they match the topics of the debate.