By Burnett Munthali

On Saturday, 7th December 2024, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials Moses Kunkuyu and Vitumbiko Mumba made a passionate appeal to young people in Malawi, urging those who are eligible to register with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure they participate in the upcoming 2025 general elections.

The appeal was made during a vibrant Youth Concert dubbed “Kutchaya Kugwetsa,” held in Lilongwe. The event was designed not only as a platform to entertain but also to inspire and motivate young people to engage in the electoral process. The concert brought together several popular musicians who performed for a crowd of enthusiastic youths, with the aim of encouraging those who had already registered to vote, while also urging those who had not yet done so to complete their registration in time for the 2025 elections.

The concert featured performances from well-known artists, including Jetu, Blasto, and Chizmo. Although Dan Lu was scheduled to perform, his set had not yet taken place at the time of the event’s conclusion. The concert created an atmosphere of excitement and youthful energy, which organizers hope will inspire a strong turnout at the polls in the next election.

Speaking to the crowd, Kunkuyu emphasized that the concert was open only to youths who had already registered to vote, and attendees were asked to bring their voter registration documents as a condition of entry. Kunkuyu clarified that the party’s focus was not on the voter registration documents themselves but on ensuring that as many young people as possible are equipped and ready to vote in 2025.

“We want to make sure that the youth are involved in this election. We don’t just want to see documents; we want to ensure that young people actively participate in the process and make their voices heard,” Kunkuyu said.

Mumba echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of young people using their voting power to shape the future of Malawi. He encouraged all eligible youth to complete their registration and become part of the country’s democratic process.

With young people making up a significant portion of the electorate, MCP’s campaign underscores the critical role that this demographic will play in determining the outcome of the 2025 elections. The party is clearly aiming to galvanize the youth vote, which could be decisive in what is expected to be a highly competitive election season.

The concert, with its blend of entertainment and political messaging, was a strategic move to reach out to young people in a setting where they feel comfortable and engaged, while also reinforcing the importance of voter registration and civic responsibility.