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.

• Bushiri Pledges Support for Football Development in Ntcheu
  By Suleman Chitera Shepherd Bushiri has pledged to support football development in Ntcheu District through various initiatives aimed at promoting local talent and improving the sport in the area Speaking during the Shepherd Bushiri Talent Soccer Tournament held at Ntcheu Secondary School Ground, Bushiri said one of the key plans is the introduction of the… Read more: Bushiri Pledges Support for Football Development in Ntcheu
• Fuel stations ordered to refill vehicles only
  Justicia Shipena  Refuelling into containers, drums and fuel cans is prohibited across the country for the next three months.  Industries, mines and energy minister, Modestus Amutse, announced the temporary restriction during a media briefing at the Government Information Centre in Windhoek on Thursday. Also PIL touts historic zero-accident record in fuel haulage Amutse said the… Read more: Fuel stations ordered to refill vehicles only
• Kamphangala praises court decision for MCP regional elections
  By Vincent Gunde A Malawi Congress Party (MCP) diehard of Mvera in Dowa district Mr. Rodgers Kamphangala, has hailed the High Court decision that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) must conduct elections for all regional and district committees. Read also MCP – HRDC holds nationwide MRA shut down demonstrations Kamphangala has also hailed the Appellant… Read more: Kamphangala praises court decision for MCP regional elections
• FIFA World Cup 2026: Biggest Tournament Ever Set for North America as Messi’s Argentina Defend Crown
  By Suleman Chitera The countdown to the biggest FIFA World Cup in history is officially underway. For the first time ever, 48 nations will compete across 104 matches in a month-long football spectacle hosted jointly by , and . Read this Qatar Loses World Cup Opener Running for 39 days, the 2026 tournament will mark… Read more: FIFA World Cup 2026: Biggest Tournament Ever Set for North America as Messi’s Argentina Defend Crown
• Mutharika Applauds Lions Club for Transforming Lives Through Humanitarian Work
  By Suleman Chiteea First Lady has hailed the Lions Club for its outstanding humanitarian efforts in Malawi, describing the organisation as a beacon of hope for vulnerable communities across the country. Dont miss Mutharika assures Malawians to govern the country to 2030 Speaking on Friday during the opening of the Lions Multiple District 412 Convention… Read more: Mutharika Applauds Lions Club for Transforming Lives Through Humanitarian Work

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.