In preparation for the upcoming voter registration exercise, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has received the second phase of Election Management Devices (EMDs) with open arms.
A total of 5784 EMDs were delivered through an Emirate flight cargo at Kamuzu International Airport, marking a significant milestone in electoral readiness.
MEC Commissioner Olivia Liwewe announced that 90% of the devices have safely arrived, with only 140 units remaining to complete the consignment.
These modern EMDs are set to replace the Biometric Voter Registration kits utilized during the 2019 and 2020 elections, showcasing a technological leap in the electoral process.
The new devices will play a crucial role in various electoral activities, including voter registration, transfer of voters, inspection of voter registration data, nomination of candidates, and result management.
This development underscores MEC’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.
Earlier this year, on May 26 and May 28, MEC received an initial batch of 288 devices, setting the stage for a seamless transition to the advanced EMD system.
With these advancements, Malawi is gearing up for a more streamlined and secure electoral experience.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has warned that government will continue to demolish any structure built on illegally acquired land in the country.
Gumba made the warning at Chikho Hotel in Mponela, Dowa during a sensitisation meeting with police officers from Lilongwe Units.
The minister said this is one of strong actions President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has put in place to address issues of land grabbing and encroachment in the country.
“My ministry will work closely with the Malawi Police Service to ensure that issues of land grabbing and encroachment are addressed amicably,” said Gumba.
Minister of Lands Hon Deus Gumba
He stressed the importance of citizens complying with the new land laws, particularly the Customary Land Act.
Ministry of Lands Principal Secretary, Devie Chilonga, highlighted the significance of working with the police to effectively address land-related issues.
Commissioner of Police for Central West Division, Emmanuel Soko, assured the minister that police will work diligently and within the bounds of the law to enforce the amended land laws.
Soko issued a stern warning to any law enforcement officers engaged in corrupt practices, stating that they would face legal consequences if found guilty.
“We are going to arrest any police officer involved in any activity of land grabbing and encroachment, as our duty is to uphold the rule of law,” said Soko.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera says a key metric of success in implementing the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy relies on the youth who are over 50 percent of the country’s population and are the primary beneficiaries of the strategy.
The President made the remarks on Friday during a Presidential Engagement Meeting with members of the National Youth Council of Malawi(NYCM) at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Chakwera embracing the youths
Said Chakwera:“For the first time in the history of Malawi, a sitting President is hosting young people from across the country as special guests at State House and be accorded the same kind of prestige as we do to other Heads of State.”
The President said he is aware that challenges such as unemployment, limited access to education and youth friendly health services, gender based violence, teenage pregnancies and lack of economic opportunities that youths face affects their participation in the economic, political and social life thereby hindering their new development and contribution to the nation’s economic development.
In response to these challenges, government developed the National Youth Policy 2023 – 2028.
During the launch of the policy six months ago, President Chakwera committed his government’s financial support towards implementation of the policy.
“I wanted to meet you here to demonstrate my commitment to that pledge. In fact, my starting point in demonstrating that commitment was my State of the National Address in Parliament four months ago, in which I announced a number of interventions for young people such as the K500 billion Agcom II and the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), among others,” he said.
He therefore, urged the youth to be pro-active, patriotic, patient, principled and change makers and partners in the development process of the nation.
On his part, Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, said President Chakwera’s unwavering commitment to engaging the youth and addressing them is a testament to his vision for an inclusive prosperous Malawi driven by its young people as outlined in the Malawi 2063 agenda.
Executive Director for NYCOM, Rex Chapota commended President Chakwera for hosting the Malawi youth leaders for the first time in the history of Malawi.
Vera Mlia Sherrif, who spoke on behalf of the youths, thanked President Chakwera for hosting them at the Palace.
She said, the occasion marks a significant moment in the nation’s history where voices of young people are heard at the highest level of leadership.
Sherrif said, as the largest demographic in the country, the youth in Malawi hold the key to the country’s future prosperity and development hence the need for government and development partners to support them.
She, therefore, urged fellow youths to be pro-active and stand for themselves and prove to the world that they are capable.
Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda has urged judicial officers in the country to take mental health programmes seriously in order for them to serve Malawians effectively.
Mzikamanda made the call on Friday during the launch of a Wellness Programme at Eden Estates and Resort in the capital Lilongwe.
He said mental wellness play a greater role in democracy consolidation and socio-economic development of the country hence judicial officers should priotise activities such as aerobics for their health and mental wellbeing.
Mzikamanda
Said Mzikamanda:”This is a wonderful day for the judicial family to come together and celebrate wellness. Healthy mind and body are the prerequisites for job well done. So, today’s event is a basis of serving Malawians efficiently. Our coming together consolidates oneness in judicial system.”
On his part, Judge for High Court, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, said judicial work is stressful as such, the wellness retreat will give ample time for judicial officers to reflect on the impact of their job.
“Today’s retreat is a reflection on the impact of stress in our work environment. Judicial officers live in a stressful world hence introducing wellness programme helps in relaxation,” Mtalimanja said.
Law Clerk at High Court, James Mauzauza, urged judicial staff to take the retreat as an opportunity to identify issues that lead to stress in course of their work to serve the citizenry better.
Wellness Programme was first launched in 2022 in Mzuzu to provide a reflection on issues related to mental health and financial management for judicial members.
It’s only Entertainment, a record label owned by rapper Phyzix has organised a show dubbed ‘Fragile Somebody Night ‘ which will feature live musical performances and a live Champions League Final on the Big Screen.
The show is expected to take place on Saturday 1st June, 2024 from 6 pm in the evening and musicians like Phyzix,Tuno, Pon G, Inkosi Jay Vee and DJ Maya are expected to perform.
Phyzix
Phyzix has since urged people in Blantyre and surrounding areas to patronise the show as they are not only going to be entertained with music performances but they will also watch the UEFA Champions League Final match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on big screens
The show follows the release of Phyzix’s latest songs ‘Fragile’ and Somebody which he featured Eli Njuchi and Emmie Deebo.
