Monday, April 20, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 1061

Immigration department implementing new projects to enhance security, trade

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services National Spokesperson, Wellington Chiponde, says the department, through the Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project, is implementing two important projects: the Border Management Information System and the Border Pass System.

In an interview with journalists on Thursday, Chiponde explained that the Border Management System seeks to streamline and optimize border management, enhancing national security and ensuring that all those entering and exiting the country follow immigration formalities.

Wellington Chiponde

On the other hand,Chiponde, said the Border Pass System is being implemented in collaboration with counterparts from Mozambique, and they are at an advanced stage in the project’s implementation.

He explained:”We aim to meet our aspirations and challenge ourselves to reduce trade costs for those doing trade between Malawi and neighboring countries.So our main goal is to reduce trade costs.”

Chiponde attributed this to the department’s commitment to ending illegal immigration into the country.

Malawi MPs speak out on unreasonable constituents’ demands

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Some Members of Parliament (MPs) in the country have expressed frustration over what they call ‘unreasonable’ demands they get from their constituents.

According to the MPs,the demands range from assisting with opening graveyards, transporting pregnant women to hospitals, and providing food for initiation ceremonies, to financial support for churches during events like Paper Sundays, purchasing coffins, and taking sick individuals to hospitals.

The concerns were raised during an engagement organized by the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) on the Parliamentary Support Program on Tuesday evening.

Despite these grievances, the MPs acknowledged that the support they provide to their constituents is crucial for securing votes during elections.

They admitted that without such assistance, many MPs would struggle to be re-elected.

Among other lawmakers who spoke on the issue were Thyolo South MP Mabvuto Scott, Salima South MP Christopher Manja, and Lilongwe City South MP Francis Belekanyama.

On his part, CSAT’s Executive Director,Willy Kambwandira, encouraged constituents to continue holding their MPs accountable, arguing that MPs make many promises during campaign time.

MP is the person elected by all those who live in a particular area (constituency) to represent them in Parliament where development and other important issues are discussed and come to exist.

MEC gears up for seamless voter registration

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says  is set to launch the second phase of its pilot voter registration exercise,a crucial step towards ensuring a seamless and efficient voter registration process.

According to MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafurwa,the exercise will kick off on Thursday and wrap up on Friday, September 20, 2024.

He say the targeted areas for the phase include Chenda Constituency in Chitipa, Neno South East, Lilongwe City Masintha Constituency, and Nsanje Central Constituency.

Sangwani Mwafurwa

Mwafulirwa explains that the pilot exercise is a precursor to the actual voter registration drive, which is slated to commence in October this year.

“By conducting this exercise, MEC aims to identify and address any potential challenges, ensuring that the voter registration process is smooth and hassle-free for all eligible citizens,”

Malawi will on September 16, 2025, hold tripartite elections for its citizens to elect the new president, legislators and
councillors.

Local manufacturers urged to produce high-quality products for global competitiveness

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Christina Zakeyo, has urged local manufacturers to ensure their products meet international standards to boost the country’s exports.

She made the remarks on Wednesday when the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) awarded certificates of compliance to various companies in Lilongwe.

Zakeyo said Malawi has the potential to export high-quality,valuable products.

Christina Zakeyo

She said the government is committed to supporting companies that prioritize value addition to their products.

On her part,Director of Quality Assurance at MBS, Gloria Mereka, said the bureau will continue to ensure quality products are available on the market.

So far, 886 companies have received certificates of compliance across the country, with 332 from the central region.

The MBS is a statutory organization established in 1972 with a mandate to promote metrology, standardization, and quality assurance of commodities.

Mwakasungula commends political parties for well-organized conventions

0

By Chisomo Phiri

A governance advocate and human rights activist,Undule Mwakasungula,has commended various political parties in the country for conducting well-organized national conventions in preparation for the 2025 tripartite election.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Mwakasungula says the conventions held by parties such as the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the People’s Party (PP), are a crucial step in selecting leadership that will shape the direction of their respective parties as the country heads towards the 2025 general elections.

Mwakasungula

“These conventions were well-organized and highly patronized by party members and delegates, demonstrating the importance of internal democracy within these political parties,” says Mwakasungula.

He has praised MCP for its orderliness and inclusivity, urging other political parties to follow suit.

Mwakasungula also notes that the DPP and PP conventions attracted attention, reflecting their members’ commitment to ensuring their parties remain relevant.

However, Mwakasungula has expressed concerns that some individuals contesting for leadership positions are still embroiled in corruption cases, which raises questions about the integrity of both the candidates and the political parties.

He says considering candidates with pending corruption charges for leadership in a political party can damage the party’s reputation and the nation’s political image.

The 2025 general elections will be held on 16 September.