By Burnett Munthali
The People’s Development Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns over what it calls a “crisis” in the voter registration process as Malawi prepares for its 2025 general elections. PDP President, Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, criticized the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) for their handling of the ongoing voter registration exercise, which has been marred by delays and technical failures.
In a press statement delivered at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, Dr. Nankhumwa expressed his frustration over the inefficiencies plaguing the voter registration process. He warned that many eligible voters could be disenfranchised if immediate steps are not taken to address the ongoing issues.
“The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is currently implementing the second phase of voter registration in several cities and districts,” Dr. Nankhumwa said. “However, the process is encountering significant challenges, and as it stands, many eligible voters risk being denied their fundamental right to register for the upcoming election.”
At the heart of Dr. Nankhumwa’s concerns is the failure of the NRB to issue national identification cards (IDs) in time for the voter registration exercise. He pointed out that the timely issuance of IDs is crucial for ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the registration process.
“The NRB’s failure to issue these IDs on time has created significant barriers,” Dr. Nankhumwa explained. “This is compounded by bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of public awareness campaigns, and inadequate resources, all of which threaten to disenfranchise large portions of the electorate.”
The PDP leader emphasized that such failures could undermine the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. “If these challenges are not addressed, we risk disenfranchising thousands, if not millions, of eligible voters—many of whom are already marginalized by systemic inefficiencies,” Dr. Nankhumwa said. “This is not just a logistical problem; it’s a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Malawi.”
Dr. Nankhumwa also expressed deep concerns over the MEC and NRB’s preparedness and efficiency in handling the voter registration exercise. He criticized the lack of staff at many registration centers and pointed to the technical failures affecting MEC’s systems, which have hampered the process in various regions.
“These problems are compounded by concerns about the credibility and neutrality of the NRB itself,” he stated. “The NRB plays a central role in the electoral process, and its ability to act impartially and competently is essential to maintaining the integrity of the election.”
Given the central importance of the NRB, Dr. Nankhumwa called for an investigation into the ongoing irregularities, urging the MEC to take swift action to restore public trust in the electoral process.
In response to the growing crisis, Dr. Nankhumwa proposed the creation of an Electoral Integrity Platform (EIP). This platform would bring together key stakeholders, including the MEC, NRB, political parties, and civil society organizations, to ensure that the voter registration process is transparent, inclusive, and effective.
“The establishment of the EIP is critical for addressing the challenges currently facing the voter registration exercise,” Dr. Nankhumwa said. “It will create a space for dialogue, foster trust, and implement solutions that can enhance the credibility of the entire electoral process.”
The EIP would focus on resolving key issues such as the delayed issuance of national IDs, technical failures in MEC’s systems, and allegations of voter suppression. Dr. Nankhumwa emphasized that a transparent investigation into these issues is essential to restoring confidence in the electoral process.
Dr. Nankhumwa also weighed in on the ongoing calls for the resignation of the MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, who has been criticized due to her familial ties to former MCP president John Tembo. Despite defending her personal integrity, Dr. Nankhumwa suggested that Justice Mtalimanja may need to step down, given the growing perception that her position may not be neutral.
“Many Malawians now perceive Justice Mtalimanja as a member of MCP, regardless of whether her decisions are right or wrong,” he said. “She has lost the trust of the people, and my advice to her is to protect her integrity and consider stepping down.”
The PDP’s concerns over the voter registration process highlight the significant challenges Malawi faces in ensuring a free and fair 2025 general election. As the registration exercise continues, it is critical that the government, the MEC, and the NRB address the issues raised by Dr. Nankhumwa to safeguard the democratic rights of all Malawians. The creation of an Electoral Integrity Platform and a transparent investigation into the reported irregularities could be a vital step toward restoring public trust and ensuring the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
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