By Burnett Munthali
In a shocking revelation, a video clip surfaced on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, purportedly showing a warehouse belonging to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in Kanengo being used as an alleged rigging office by the National Registration Bureau (NRB). The incident has raised serious concerns among citizens and political stakeholders about the integrity of Malawi’s electoral processes.
According to the video, concerned citizens tipped off the Leader of Opposition, Dr. George Chaponda, and his team, leading to their discovery of the alleged irregularities at the warehouse. The clip shows several national IDs and NRB computers at the site, sparking speculation about the activities being carried out there.
The presence of NRB gadgets and materials at an NFRA facility has yet to be explained by the responsible authorities. It remains unclear why the NRB would set up operations in a warehouse not designated for registration-related activities. This unusual arrangement has fueled suspicions of malpractice, with critics suggesting that the site could be used for illicit activities, including tampering with voter registration data ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Dr. George Chaponda expressed alarm over the discovery, describing it as a potential threat to democracy. “We need answers. Why is the NRB operating from an NFRA warehouse? What are they doing with these IDs and gadgets in such a concealed manner?” Chaponda said during a press briefing.
Other political figures and civil society organizations have also weighed in, demanding transparency from both the NRB and NFRA. “This is a matter of national interest. We cannot afford to have our electoral process compromised,” said a representative of the Malawi Electoral Integrity Network (MEIN).
Attempts to get a response from the NRB have so far been unsuccessful. The bureau has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement at the warehouse. This silence has only fueled public concern, with many calling for immediate investigations by law enforcement agencies.
As the country prepares for the 2025 general elections, allegations of election rigging and manipulation threaten to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. If proven true, this incident could cast a shadow over the credibility of the upcoming elections and deepen the country’s political divide.
Citizens and political stakeholders are demanding swift action from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. Transparency and accountability are being called for to ensure that the integrity of the elections is preserved.
The allegations surrounding the Kanengo NFRA warehouse are a wake-up call for Malawians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from those tasked with safeguarding the nation’s democratic processes. As the 2025 elections draw closer, it is imperative that any suspicion of irregularities be addressed promptly to restore public trust in Malawi’s electoral system.
The nation now awaits an official statement from the NRB and other involved parties to clarify the situation and ensure that justice prevails.
