Prospective voters for the 2025 Malawi General Election from Salima district on Monday started showing up at Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Registration centres to have their names registered in the electoral voter roll.
According to MEC’s District Elections Officer for Salima Alinafe Chisenga, the registration exercise is progressing very well, and all 187 centres were opened at exactly 8:00 AM.
She said so far they have not received any major challenges from the centres, she comfortably said that they have everything under control.
Chisenga however showed dismay by the absence of political party monitors in most registration centres, adding that MEC is a transparent entity and values the involvement of all electoral stakeholders in the electoral processes.
“It is worrisome to note that monitors of party members are absent because supervisors were advised to receive and register the monitors once they arrive at centres, unfortunately, reports of absent monitors have been received from different centres.
“In terms of technical glitches that we have faced, there is none that we are failing to handle, so far we have everything under control and our machines are picking up and working very well,” she said.
She encouraged citizens to go in large numbers to vote so that they would be able to vote in the 2025 General elections.
One of the potential voters who registered at Salima Community Hall Centre, Chiguzeni Kamanga said the process was very fast, it took him less than 5 minutes, to be registered into the voters roll.
“I managed to get registered very fast and went to do my day-to-day duties without any distractions. I am here encouraging my fellow citizens to go and get registered because the process is very fast,” he said.
A tour of 10 centres across Salima district showed an encouraging number of potential voters queuing to have their names registered, the registration process is being conducted with the newly adopted voter registration system using Election Management Devices and it will run from October 21 to November 3, 2024.
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
