……Malawi’s Democracy in Peril: Declining Voter Interest Demands Urgent Action
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The nation’s Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) is sad with the sharp decline in voter registration.
The concern comes barely a day after Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) launched variety of attainable voters for September 16, 2025 elections.
According to MEC launch on February 6, the projected variety of registered voters was 10.9 million, but solely 7,200,905 (65.7%) have registered—a major drop from earlier elections.
In distinction, 80% registered in 2019, and 93.2% in 2014. Even throughout supplementary registration, solely 24,078 individuals registered out of a focused 271,784.
In a press assertion issued on Friday, September 7, 2025, CSEIF Interim Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe observes that the present development is alarming and threatens Malawi’s democracy.
“Voter apathy will not be unintended; it’s a direct reflection of the rising disillusionment amongst Malawians who really feel betrayed by politicians who fail to ship on their guarantees.
“Additionally, it is disheartening that some political parties actively discouraged voter registration—a reckless act that undermines the democratic process,” reads CSEIF assertion partially.
Kondowe urges, “Political events should come clean with their position on this disaster as an alternative of shifting blame solely to MEC. Another essential issue is the dearth of sufficient voter and civic training.
“Many accredited NGOs and other civic actors do not have funding for these crucial programs, leaving millions uninformed about the importance of participating in elections”.
CSEIF observes additional, “If this problem will not be urgently addressed, we threat a good decrease voter turnout on polling day.
“CSEIF calls for urgent and intensified awareness campaigns to ensure that the majority of registered voters turn out and vote on 16 September 2025”.
He added, “The challenge now is to restore faith in the electoral process and inspire Malawians to exercise their constitutional right”.
CSEIF appeals, “We name upon political events, civil society, non secular leaders, and all stakeholders to work along with MEC in rebuilding public confidence in elections.
“Malawi’s democracy is at stake.The 2025 elections must not be decided by apathy, but by the will of the people”.
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