By Mwaiwawo Chipofya
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced the preliminary statistics for Phase 1 of voter registration, revealing that a substantial total of 2,224,307 individuals have registered to vote ahead of the 2025 General Elections. The figures highlight a keen interest among citizens to participate in the electoral process, with significant numbers reported from each region of the country.
According to the MEC Public Notice, the voter registration initiative focused on specific district councils across the southern, central, and northern regions. Six district councils were targeted in the southern region, four in the central region, and four in the northern region.
Registration Statistics by Region
Southern Region:
1 Balaka: 167,817
2 Chiradzulu: 146,387
3 Neno: 49,604
4 Mulanje: 274,874
5 Phalombe: 167,866
6 Machinga: 251,652
Total for Southern Region: 1,058,200
Central Region:
1 Dedza: 354,721
2 Nkhotakota: 171,999
3 Ntchisi: 140,924
4 Salima: 186,374
Total for Central Region: 854,018
Northern Region:
1 Chitipa: 86,659
2 Karonga: 122,585
3 Karonga Township: 26,160
4 Mzuzu: 76,685
Total for Northern Region: 312,089
Gender Distribution
The registration data indicates a notable gender disparity, with 891,777 males (40%) and 1,332,530 females (60%) participating in the registration process.
Voter Population Insights
According to National Statistical Office data covering these targeted zones comprising phase 1 registration, a population of 3,423,066 is expected to be 18 years and above (the voting age) and this formed the targeted population to be registered by MEC. However, despite the positive registration numbers, approximately 35% of this segment has not engaged in the registration process.
According to the public notice, MEC aims to capitalize on the momentum generated by Phase 1 of voter registration and is expected to launch subsequent phases in the lead-up to the 2025 General Elections. This early engagement reflects a commitment to bolstering electoral participation and ensuring that Malawians are empowered to exercise their democratic rights.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the focus will now turn to encouraging the remaining eligible voters to register and make their voices heard next year.
