By Burnett Munthali
On Monday, October 21, 2024, Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda rejected an application brought forward by a group of Malawians challenging the use of the national identity (ID) card as the sole form of identification for voter registration. The application, filed in the High Court, sought to stop the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) from enforcing the national ID requirement, arguing that it disenfranchises citizens who may not have the card.
In his response, Nyirenda defended the MEC’s decision, stating that the use of national IDs is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the voter registration process. He emphasized that the ID requirement helps prevent voter fraud and ensures that only eligible Malawians are registered.
“The national identity card remains the most reliable form of identification for Malawians. It guarantees that those who register to vote are indeed citizens of this country and are of legal voting age. The argument that this requirement disenfranchises voters is without merit,” Nyirenda said.
The AG further highlighted that the government had undertaken extensive campaigns to encourage all Malawians to register for national IDs, making the cards accessible to citizens across the country. He also noted that special provisions had been made to assist those who had lost or never obtained their national IDs to apply and receive their cards in time for voter registration.
The group of Malawians behind the challenge argued that requiring a national ID limits the participation of eligible voters, especially in rural areas where access to registration centers may be difficult. They claim that alternative forms of identification, such as voter cards or passports, should also be accepted.
Nyirenda, however, dismissed these concerns, stating that the government is committed to ensuring no citizen is left out of the registration process. He added that national ID registration centers had been expanded and that mobile registration units were being deployed to underserved areas.
The case is expected to continue with the court set to make a ruling later this month. However, for now, the Attorney General remains firm on the position that the national ID card is the most secure and fair method of identifying voters in the lead-up to Malawi’s 2025 General Elections.
