The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has challenged the general public to bring evidence to the Commission that it is registering minors ahead of the September 16 2025 general elections.
The Commission, through a statement written by MEC Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi, says it is disturbed by the images and videos circulating on social media claiming that minors are registering as voters for next year’s elections.
It adds that the voter registration system is designed to automatically verify the age of registrants based on the date of birth provided on the National IDs.
Mpesi
The Commission has reaffirmed its integrity in the voter registration exercise, warning that it will deal with any fraudulent registration conduct.
The electoral body is conducting the third phase of voter registration in some districts.
The Independent Baptist Support Centre (IBSCOM) has encouraged Christians in the country to cultivate humility in their service to God.
Speaking at the launch of Rejoice Baptist Church in Area 25, Lilongwe, on Sunday, Pastor Daniel Phiri emphasized the importance of humility, citing its role in earning God’s favor.
Pastor Daniel Phiri
Phiri, also the pastor of Charity Baptist Church, stressed that unity and humility within the church are vital for its growth.
He said:”God blesses those who humble themselves.
“For the church to grow, Christians must work together in humility to properly serve God.”
On his part,Rejoice Baptist Church’s resident pastor, Jimmy Sasike, expressed joy over the church’s official launch, which began as a fellowship.
He urged the congregation and Malawians at large to remain steadfast in their faith, warning against deception and false teachings.
“Today marks a significant milestone for us.I assure you that I will do everything possible to serve you and support your spiritual growth,” said Pastor Sasike.
Rev. Thomas Nyang’ama of Soche CCAP in Blantyre has urged men in the country to deepen their faith and seek support from one another to overcome life’s challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the church’s men’s ministry on Sunday, Nyang’ama acknowledged the numerous pressures men face and emphasized the importance of spiritual guidance in coping with stress.
Nyang’ama encouraged men to be open about their struggles, citing the importance of community and support in preventing feelings of isolation that can lead to suicidal thoughts.
He also called on men’s spouses to be supportive and understanding, even in difficult times.
On his part,the church’s session clerk,William Namate,expressed gratitude to the men who participated in the ministry and encouraged others to join the next cohort.
The graduation ceremony was held under the theme “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to you (James 1:5)”.
In a decisive move to quell rumors that have been circulating on various social media platforms, President Arthur Peter Mutharika, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has publicly refuted claims of irreconcilable differences between him and his wife, Her Excellency Gertrude Mutharika.
The allegations, which have gained traction in recent days, were described as false and misleading in a press release issued by Shadrick Namalomba, the party’s spokesperson.
Mutharika and his wife
The timing of these rumors is particularly notable, as they emerge just few months before the highly anticipated elections scheduled for September, 2025.
The DPP, under Mutharika’s leadership, is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the electoral race, aiming to reclaim power amid a backdrop of economic challenges that have been attributed to the current administration led by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
In the press release, Mutharika emphasized the importance of unity and resilience within his family and the party, stating that such baseless rumors are designed to distract the public from the pressing economic issues facing the nation. “These reports are not only unfounded but are also a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the real challenges that our people are facing,” Mutharika asserted. “As a family, we stand together, and as a party, we are focused on delivering solutions to the economic hardships that have been exacerbated by the current government.”
The DPP has been vocal in its criticism of the MCP’s handling of the economy, which has seen rising inflation, increased unemployment rates, and a general decline in living standards for many Malawians. Mutharika’s administration, which governed from 2014 until 2020, has been portrayed by party officials as a time of relative stability and growth, contrasting sharply with the current economic climate.
The DPP is leveraging this narrative as it campaigns for a return to power, promising to restore economic stability and improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Mutharika’s press release also highlighted the importance of focusing on substantive issues rather than engaging in gossip and speculation. “As we approach the elections, it is crucial that we engage in meaningful discussions about the future of our country,” he stated. “We must prioritize the needs of our people and work together to find solutions to the challenges we face.”
The allegations of marital discord have not only drawn the ire of Mutharika but have also sparked a broader conversation about the role of social media in shaping public perception.
In an age where information spreads rapidly, the potential for misinformation to influence political discourse is a growing concern.
Mutharika’s response serves as a reminder of the need for responsible communication and the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
Political analysts have noted that the DPP’s strategy in addressing these rumors is indicative of a larger trend in Malawian politics, where personal attacks and character assassination have become common tactics employed by rival parties.
As the election date approaches, it is expected that both the DPP and MCP will intensify their campaigns, with each party seeking to sway public opinion in their favor.
In the wake of the press release, supporters of the DPP have rallied around Mutharika, expressing their solidarity and commitment to the party’s vision for Malawi.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, with many party loyalists condemning the rumors as an attempt to undermine the DPP’s electoral prospects. “We believe in our leader and his vision for a better Malawi,” one supporter commented on a popular social media page. “These rumors will not deter us from our mission to bring about positive change.”
As the DPP prepares for the upcoming elections, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the party’s ability to address the economic challenges facing the nation.
Mutharika’s leadership style, characterized by a blend of pragmatism and resilience, will be put to the test as he seeks to unite his party and present a compelling case to the electorate.
In conclusion, President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s swift dismissal of the rumors surrounding his marriage to Gertrude Mutharika underscores the importance of maintaining focus on the critical issues at hand.
With the elections just around the corner, the DPP is poised to capitalize on the current government’s shortcomings while reinforcing its commitment to the Malawian people.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the lead-up to the September 25 elections.
The DPP’s ability to navigate these challenges, both internal and external, will be crucial in determining its success at the polls.
Lilongwe, Malawi – In a move aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has arrested Mr. Wiseman Enock for attempting to register multiple times during the ongoing voter registration exercise in Lilongwe.
Enock was apprehended at Msambeta School on December 8, 2024, immediately after he registered for the second time.
The MEC has expressed deep concern over this incident and has taken steps to provide clarity on how it occurred, the safeguards in place, and the consequences of such actions
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According to the Commission, Msambeta School, like other registration centers, has three teams for voter registration.
Enock managed to register twice because the second registration was done on a different gadget from the first one.
However, the registration machine is designed to detect and prevent multiple registrations on the same gadget, whether online or offline.
If Enock had attempted to register a second time using the same machine, the system would have flagged him immediately, and the registration would have been rejected.
The MEC’s de-duplication process is also in place to identify and resolve instances of multiple registrations.
The Commission uses National ID numbers and advanced biometric technology, including fingerprints, to detect and remove duplicate records, ensuring that each voter is registered only once in the final voters’ roll.
The MEC has assured the public that its system is robust and capable of detecting duplicates, ensuring that the final voter register is free of multiple entries.
However, any individual attempting to exploit the system for personal or political gain will be held accountable under the law.
The Commission has also reminded the public that registering more than once is a serious electoral offense punishable by law.
The recent case of Mr. Bisias Elton Nkhoma, who was found guilty of registering twice in Blantyre City and ordered to pay a fine of K200,000.00 or face two years of imprisonment, serves as a warning to would-be offenders.
In a statement, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, Director of Media and Public Relations at the MEC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, inclusive, and accountable voter registration process.
The MEC appeals to all eligible voters to register only once, as required by law, and to cooperate with its processes.
Attempts to manipulate the registration process, whether through multiple registrations or other fraudulent activities, will not be tolerated.
The MEC’s efforts to uphold electoral integrity are crucial in ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.
As Malawi gears up for the 2025 general elections, the Commission’s vigilance will be crucial in preventing electoral fraud and maintaining public trust.
With the arrest of Enock, the MEC has sent a strong message that voter registration fraud will not be tolerated, and those who attempt to manipulate the system will face the full force of the law.
