By Comrade jumbe 21/07/25

If we call ourselves a democracy, we must live up to it—fully and fairly.

One of the most urgent reforms our country must undertake is to amend our laws to allow the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to work with embassies and high commissions so that Malawians living abroad can vote in general elections.

It is unacceptable that millions of Malawians in the diaspora—especially the 1 to 2 million estimated in South Africa alone—are excluded from elections simply because they live outside the country.

These citizens contribute billions in remittances, support families, and invest back home. Their voice in our democratic process matters.

The excuse that “it’s too expensive” doesn’t hold.

Democracy is not cheap—nor should it be. Other countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa allow diaspora voting. So can Malawi,we can’t remain dwelling the past forever.

Embassies can serve as polling centers. Secure systems like embassy voting or electronic options are possible with political will and legal backing.

To exclude citizens because of cost is to cheapen democracy.

Let’s amend the law, empower MEC to facilitate diaspora voting, and uphold the full spirit of democracy.

No Malawian should be denied the right to vote—no matter where they live across the planet.

My pen