DPP District Governor Raises Concerns Over Low Voter Participation Due to Lack of National IDs

By Burnett Munthali

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) District Governor for Mulanje, Ndalimba Makuluni, has expressed concerns about low voter turnout in the upcoming 2025 general elections, attributing it to the widespread lack of national ID cards. Makuluni highlighted that many eligible voters in the district have been unable to obtain the required IDs, which are necessary for voter registration and participation in the elections.

• Malawi remembers Dr. Saulos Chilima and crash victims in emotional second anniversary tributes
  By Burnett Munthali Mary Chilima has marked two years since the death of her husband, Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, with a deeply personal tribute shared publicly.Parliament Launches Investigation Into Saulos Chilima Plane Crash as Committee Begins Probe at Kamuzu International Airport “It is now two years my love,” she wrote, capturing the weight… Read more: Malawi remembers Dr. Saulos Chilima and crash victims in emotional second anniversary tributes
• Why Are Malawi Cabinet Ministers Silent on Alleged “Gold Shipment to Israel”? Public Demands Answers Grow
  By Suleman Chitera Questions are mounting in Malawi over what some political commentators and citizens are describing as a “mysterious silence” from Cabinet ministers regarding allegations that gold was illegally moved from the country and flown to Israel. So far, no official confirmation has been provided by government authorities, and no verified evidence has been… Read more: Why Are Malawi Cabinet Ministers Silent on Alleged “Gold Shipment to Israel”? Public Demands Answers Grow
• FIFA World Cup Dream Shattered: Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry
  By Suleman Chitera A historic moment for Somali football has ended in heartbreak after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States, forcing him to miss the FIFA World Cup despite being officially selected as one of the tournament’s match officials. Artan, who was among 52 referees chosen by FIFA for the… Read more: FIFA World Cup Dream Shattered: Somali Referee Denied U.S. Entry
• DPP Government Begins Turning Manifesto Promises into Action as Development Agenda Takes Shape
  By Suleman Chitera Nearly a year after assuming office, the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) administration is increasingly being seen as making tangible progress in implementing key commitments outlined in its 2025 election manifesto, with developments emerging across multiple sectors of the economy. From improved fuel availability and infrastructure projects to education reforms, innovation initiatives, and… Read more: DPP Government Begins Turning Manifesto Promises into Action as Development Agenda Takes Shape
• MCP Conducts Self-Assessment After Election Defeat, Eyes Return to Power in 2030
  By Suleman Chitera The opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says it has completed an assessment aimed at understanding the factors that led to its removal from government by Malawian voters. MCP spokesperson, Jessie Kabwila, said the party will soon begin reviewing the findings of the assessment, which she believes will provide valuable lessons and help… Read more: MCP Conducts Self-Assessment After Election Defeat, Eyes Return to Power in 2030

During a meeting organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Makuluni pointed out the significant challenges faced by residents, including the long distances they must travel to access National Registration Bureau (NRB) offices and the slow processing of IDs.

“Many people are willing to participate in the elections, but they cannot because they do not have national IDs. The process is too slow, and for many, the distance to NRB offices is just too far,” Makuluni said.

The meeting, which focused on conflict prevention and peace-building ahead of the 2025 elections, was part of a broader effort by CHRR to engage stakeholders in promoting peaceful electoral processes. CHRR Board Chairperson Benson Nkhoma emphasized the importance of maintaining peace throughout the election period and encouraged all stakeholders to prioritize the prevention and management of potential violence.

“Peaceful elections are essential for the development of our nation. We must all work together to prevent violence and ensure that the electoral process runs smoothly,” Nkhoma urged.

In response to the concerns raised, a Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) official in Mulanje, Nenani Mkuzi, assured attendees that MEC is fully prepared for the voter registration exercise, which is set to begin next week in five districts, including Mulanje. Mkuzi encouraged residents to turn up in large numbers for the registration process.

“We are ready and appeal to residents to come in large numbers. We want everyone to participate in the elections, and voter registration is the first step in ensuring that,” Mkuzi stated.

The meeting was part of CHRR’s year-long project, “Enhancing Public Participation in the 2025 General Elections,” which is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative aims to address various challenges related to voter participation and electoral integrity, ensuring that citizens can engage meaningfully in the democratic process.