By Burnett Munthali

Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, has called for all procedures surrounding next year’s elections to be conducted transparently and without controversy. Banda, who leads the People’s Party (PP), emphasized that preventing eligible voters from casting their ballots could spark unrest within the country.

“All Malawians, including the government and members of parliament, must ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote in next year’s elections,” Banda stated.

She also suggested that lawmakers should consider revising regulations if the current national ID requirement restricts some citizens from participating in the elections.

Political analyst Henry Chingaipe echoed Banda’s concerns, stressing that governmental bodies such as the National Registration Bureau must work diligently to prevent anyone from being denied their right to vote due to a lack of documentation. Chingaipe noted that disputes can arise if people lose confidence in the electoral process, making it crucial to address these issues proactively.

Both leaders highlighted that securing the right to vote for all eligible citizens is essential for maintaining peace and upholding democracy in Malawi.