The People’s Development Party (PDP) has raised alarm over what it calls a “crisis” within the voter registration course of forward of Malawi’s 2025 common elections.

In a press assertion delivered on the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, PDP President Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa criticized the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) for what he described as a “flawed” and “inefficient” voter registration train, which is at the moment underway in a number of districts throughout the nation.

Dr. Nankhumwa expressed deep concern concerning the widespread delays and technical failures within the course of, warning that many eligible voters could possibly be disenfranchised if speedy motion isn’t taken.

“The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is implementing the second phase of voter registration in several cities and districts,” Dr. Nankhumwa stated.

“But as we speak, the ongoing voter registration exercise is encountering significant challenges, and many eligible voters across the country risk being denied their fundamental right to register for the upcoming election.”

At the guts of the problem, Dr. Nankhumwa pointed to the failure of the NRB to situation nationwide identification playing cards (IDs) to residents in time for registration.

“The NRB’s ability to issue these IDs in a timely manner is central to ensuring that no eligible citizen is left out of the process,” he defined.

“Unfortunately, bureaucratic inefficiencies, lack of public awareness campaigns, and inadequate resources have created barriers that could disenfranchise large portions of the electorate.”

The PDP chief warned that such failures may name into query the legitimacy of the 2025 election.

“The failure to address these challenges risks disenfranchising thousands, if not millions, of eligible voters—many of whom are already marginalized by systemic inefficiencies,” he stated.

“This is not just a logistical challenge; it’s a direct attack on the democratic rights of Malawians.”

Dr. Nankhumwa additional criticized each the MEC and the NRB for his or her lack of preparedness and effectivity, emphasizing that the credibility of the electoral course of is at stake.

He additionally expressed concern over the NRB’s capability to handle the registration course of successfully, citing delays in ID issuance and the absence of employees at many registration facilities.

“These issues are compounded by concerns over the credibility and neutrality of the NRB itself,” he stated.

“Given the central role this institution plays in the electoral process, its ability to act with impartiality and competence is essential.”

To handle the challenges, Dr. Nankhumwa proposed the creation of an Electoral Integrity Platform (EIP)—a collaborative discussion board aimed toward bringing collectively key stakeholders, together with the MEC, NRB, political events, and civil society organizations, to make sure that the voter registration course of is clear, inclusive, and efficient.

“The establishment of EIP could be a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with the electoral process,” Dr. Nankhumwa stated.

“This platform is essential for fostering dialogue, building trust, and implementing effective solutions to enhance electoral integrity.”

The proposed platform would deal with resolving points such because the delayed issuance of nationwide IDs, technical failures in MEC’s techniques, and allegations of voter suppression.

Dr. Nankhumwa additionally referred to as for a clear investigation into studies of irregularities and referred to as for the MEC to behave decisively to revive public confidence within the election course of.

The PDP chief additionally weighed in on the continuing requires the resignation of the MEC Chairperson, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, who has confronted criticism as a result of her familial ties to former MCP president John Tembo.

Despite defending her private integrity, Dr. Nankhumwa suggested Mtalimanja to think about stepping down, given the general public notion that her place will not be impartial.

“Many Malawians now perceive Justice Mtalimanja as a member of MCP regardless of whether her decisions are right or wrong,” he stated.

“She has lost the trust of the people, and my advice to her is to protect her integrity.”

Dr. Nankhumwa concluded his assertion by calling for unity and collaboration amongst all stakeholders to resolve the problems plaguing the voter registration course of.

“Now is not the time for division or inflammatory rhetoric but for collaboration, with a shared commitment to ensuring that every Malawian can participate in free, fair, and credible elections,” he urged.

As Malawi prepares for the 2025 elections, Dr. Nankhumwa’s remarks spotlight the pressing want for electoral reforms to deal with the inefficiencies and challenges undermining the voter registration course of.