Miss Malawi scandal: Why was the crown winner passed over for the minister’s daughter?
Malawi’s reigning Miss Malawi Thandi Chisi was passed over for the country’s Miss World 2026 slot in favour of first runner-up Ireen Navicha, the daughter of Cabinet Minister Mary Navicha, sparking a row over how the decision was made.
Organisers initially cited Chisi’s age, but the explanation came under scrutiny after other 27-year-old contestants were allowed to compete at Miss World 2026. The organisation later acknowledged an “age eligibility confusion”, while sponsors gave a separate explanation, saying Navicha had been selected because of her international pageant experience.
Navicha went on to make history as the first Malawian contestant to reach the Miss World Top 40, although she failed to advance to the Top 20.
