By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced preliminary figures from Phase 1 of its voter registration exercise, reporting that 2,224,307 individuals have registered to vote. The first phase of the registration drive, which took place from October 21 to November 3, 2024, focused on 14 district councils across the country in preparation for the 2025 elections.

MEC’s preliminary data shows promising engagement among eligible voters, signaling strong public interest in the upcoming elections. The registration process, which aims to ensure all eligible citizens have the opportunity to vote, will continue across the remaining districts in subsequent phases.

The voter registration drive is a critical component of MEC’s mandate to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election, and these preliminary numbers are a step toward achieving that goal. As the registration process progresses, MEC will continue to encourage eligible Malawians to register and participate in the democratic process.