MEC, NRB Sign MOU for Collaborative Election Preparation
The Malawi Electoral Commission and National Registration Bureau sign MOU to enhance collaboration for the upcoming General Election.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Registration Bureau (NRB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 24, 2023, to improve voter registration ahead of the 2025 elections, writes Winston Mwale.
The MOU, which was signed in Lilongwe, formalises the cooperation between the two institutions in the areas of voter registration, data sharing, and training
Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale, Chairman of the Malawi Electoral Commission, expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to make remarks at the significant event.
He emphasised the importance of a well-coordinated approach to ensure a credible and successful 2025 tripartite election.
"Each election brings its own unique challenges," he said, "but with proper planning and preparation, we can manage and deter potential obstacles."
He said the previous electoral processes, notably the 2019 and 2020 elections, served as learning experiences for MEC, and they have taken lessons from them to improve the quality of service provided to the public.
A fundamental principle in holding a credible election, Dr. Kachale said, is to have accurate and reliable voter registration.
The successful migration to a biometric voter registration system in the past was largely due to the well-coordinated partnership between MEC and NRB, guided by a signed MOU similar to the one signed on this occasion.
In his speech at the signing ceremony, Minister of Homeland Security Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma said that the MOU is a "milestone" in efforts to ensure that all eligible Malawians are registered to vote.
He also urged officials from both institutions to ensure that the MOU is implemented effectively.
Zikhale Ng'oma emphasised the importance of the timely issuance of national identity cards, promising to expedite the printing process and procure additional printers to improve efficiency.
“If the NRB says it takes 30 days to issue a national ID card, it must be 30 days and nothing more," Ng'oma said at a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MEC and the NRB.
"I want to assure you all who are here that this will happen as long as I am the minister within this ministry."
The MOU between MEC and NRB aims to strengthen their respective responsibilities while fostering closer ties to enhance the electoral process and citizen registration.
Both parties expressed their determination to fulfil their roles and responsibilities outlined in the agreement, with the common goal of serving the nation of Malawi.
The signing of this MOU signifies a positive step towards ensuring a well-coordinated and successful electoral process, as Malawi gears up for the General Election on September 16, 2025.
As the collaboration between MEC and NRB strengthens, the nation looks forward to conducting a credible and transparent election that reflects the will of the people.