By Burnett Munthali
Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, President of the People’s Development Party (PDP), has addressed the nation on pressing issues concerning Malawi’s prolonged fuel crisis and the ongoing voter registration challenges. Speaking at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, Nankhumwa criticized the government for its perceived inability to address these critical concerns, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and reform to safeguard Malawi’s democracy and economy.
Nankhumwa highlighted the severity of the current fuel crisis, now entering its fifth week, which he termed as the “worst in the nation’s history.” Reports indicate black market fuel prices soaring to K10,000 per liter, causing widespread disruptions in transportation, health services, and the economy at large.
He expressed dismay at the government’s inaction, particularly President Lazarus Chakwera’s continued travels and public appearances, which Nankhumwa described as “detached” from the harsh realities facing Malawians.
“The President should wake up from his slumber and manage this crisis,” he demanded, calling for the following immediate actions:
Firstly, a National Address by the President to outline the government’s plan to resolve the crisis.
Secondly, resignation of the Minister of Energy for failing to deliver solutions.
Thirdly, an Apology from the Minister of Information for misleading the public on the crisis timeline.
Addressing the voter registration exercise for the 2025 elections, Nankhumwa expressed grave concerns over the inefficiencies of the National Registration Bureau (NRB). He highlighted significant delays in issuing national IDs—a prerequisite for voter registration—potentially disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.
“This is not just a logistical issue; it is a matter of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency,” Nankhumwa said, stressing that systemic inefficiencies at NRB and allegations of voter suppression pose a threat to the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The PDP President proposed the following measures to address these challenges:
Extending voter registration periods to accommodate delays.
Transparent investigations into allegations of voter suppression.
Deployment of resources to remote areas to ensure inclusivity.
He also called for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to demonstrate decisive leadership and collaborate with stakeholders to rectify the issues urgently.
To safeguard the upcoming elections, Nankhumwa proposed the establishment of an Electoral Integrity Platform (EIP)—a multi-stakeholder forum involving MEC, NRB, political parties, and civil society organizations. The EIP would focus on:
Resolving technical and operational failures in voter registration.
Addressing irregularities and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
Nankhumwa emphasized the importance of calm, strategic dialogue rather than emotional responses to Malawi’s challenges. He called for a collaborative approach to resolve the current crises while pushing for long-term electoral reforms.
“Malawi’s democracy depends on the participation of every eligible voter,” he said, urging the government to prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
In closing, Nankhumwa outlined a vision for strengthening Malawi’s democratic institutions:
Firstly, MEC and NRB with resources and autonomy to operate effectively.
Secondly, ensure transparency and accountability through independent monitors.
Thirdly, leverage technology to improve efficiency and reliability while safeguarding against manipulation.
He reiterated the PDP’s commitment to protecting Malawi’s democracy and urged all stakeholders to work together to address these critical issues.
“Let us not allow these challenges to define us as a nation. Instead, let this moment be a testament to our resolve to defend democracy and build a better Malawi,” Nankhumwa concluded.
This comprehensive address underscores the PDP’s dedication to addressing Malawi’s pressing crises and ensuring a fair and inclusive democratic process.
