By Pemphero Mpho Musowa
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has dismissed allegations that it is registering minors to take part in the 2025 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections.
Andrew Mpesi, Chief Elections Officer in a statement said the voter registration system is designed to automatically verify the age of a registrant based on the date of birth provided on the National ID or the system generated receipt with a unique ID number issued by the NRB.
“The voter registration system automatically rejects registration of any individual whose civil registration details show that they are not, or, would not have attained 18 years of age by polling day.”
Mpesi said MEC disputes allegations of images and video clips circulating on social media.
“Where a registrant presents a National ID card or system generated receipt with a unique ID number duly issued by the NRB, that shows they have attained the eligibility age, the Commission has an obligation to register them as voters, unless fraud is otherwise proved.”
He urged people and electoral stakeholders that have evidence suggesting that a registrant is attempting to, or has fraudulently registered by, among others, falsifying their age, are obliged to file a challenge at the voter registration centre where the registration is taking place and also provide evidence.
“The Commission will review such challenge along with any accompanying evidence and also afford the registrant an opportunity to be heard before making any decision.
“According to section 12 of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act, any person intending to register as a voter should bring proof of registration with the National Registration Bureau (NRB). For purposes of the on-going voter registration, proof of registration with theNRB is a valid National ID card; an expired National ID card and an NRB system generated slip bearing the individual’s unique ID number.”
The CEO said fraudulently obtaining registration as a voter is an offence; and that any voter who fraudulently obtained registration shall be de-registered.
He appealed to parents and guardians to desist from falsifying the age of their children and wards in order to fraudulently obtain voter registration.
He also warned persons who obtain voter registration by giving false information; aids another person to obtain voter registration by giving false information; or registers another person knowing that that person is not eligible to for voter registration shall be liable to prosecution.
Section 77 of the Constitution guarantees the right to vote for every citizen aged 18 ог who presents evidence that they would have attained that age by 16 September 2025.
