MEC Chairperson Outlines Plans for Supplementary Voter Registration Ahead of 2025 Elections
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), in collaboration with the National Registration Bureau (NRB), has announced plans for a supplementary voter registration exercise aimed at addressing gaps from the initial registration process. The exercise, detailed by MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja during a joint press briefing, seeks to ensure that all eligible Malawians have the opportunity to register to vote in the upcoming 2025 General Elections.
Speaking at the event, Justice Mtalimanja expressed gratitude to all Malawians who participated in the voter registration drive held between October 21 and December 11, 2024. She emphasized that the supplementary registration was a direct response to challenges identified during the initial phases.
Addressing Court-Ordered Reforms
The supplementary registration follows an October 25, 2024, High Court order requiring the NRB to address gaps in issuing unique national identification numbers to eligible voters. Justice Mtalimanja highlighted three main categories of people targeted by the exercise:
Individuals in Phase 1 Councils who were unable to register due to the absence of NRB teams at registration centers.
Eligible voters in Phases 2 and 3 whose applications for national ID numbers remained pending during the initial registration period.
Individuals who accessed civil registration services but did not receive unique identification numbers in time to register.
Supplementary Registration Schedule
The NRB will conduct civil registration for a week, beginning December 29, 2024, in Phase 1 Councils, with voter registration to follow from January 30 to February 3, 2025. Phase 2 and Phase 3 Councils will hold their voter registration exercises from January 20 to 24 and January 10 to 14, respectively.
The targeted councils include areas such as Chitipa, Mzuzu City, Nkhotakota, Blantyre City, Mangochi Municipality, and Nsanje, among others.
MEC’s Call for Cooperation
Justice Mtalimanja urged all eligible Malawians to actively participate in the exercise, stressing its importance for the integrity of the democratic process. She also called on political parties to deploy representatives to monitor the process, ensuring transparency and credibility.
“By doing so, we contribute to the integrity of the 2025 General Elections and strengthen our democracy,” Mtalimanja said.
Ensuring Inclusivity
The supplementary exercise aims to close the gap for those excluded due to administrative delays and logistical challenges. The NRB has assured the MEC that pending unique identification numbers have now been issued, enabling affected individuals to complete their voter registration.
As the country prepares for the crucial 2025 General Elections, MEC and NRB reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in shaping Malawi’s future.
