Missing Voter Records Reported in Malawi's Preliminary Registration Process
The commission did not specify how many records are affected or in which voting centres the problems have been reported.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Malawi Electoral Commission acknowledged Friday that some voter records are missing from the preliminary voters' register during the ongoing transfer process, writes Winston Mwale.
The commission has "immediately commenced a process of establishing the cause of the missing records and how this will be rectified," according to a statement issued by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, director of media and public relations.
Officials emphasised that the voter data remains preliminary until formal inspection and verification, which is the next step in the electoral calendar.
"The Commission assures the public that there is no cause for alarm as the inspection and verification stage is to address cases like these," Mwafulirwa said. "The Commission will ensure that the final Voters' Register contains all records."
The statement assured registered voters that their details remain intact and promised that no properly registered voter would be disenfranchised.
Those whose records are missing but have attempted to transfer will "be assisted in due course."
The commission plans to meet with stakeholders, including political parties, before beginning the inspection of the voters' register.
"We call upon political parties, civil society organisations, and the general public to remain engaged in the electoral processes and support the Commission in ensuring that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner," the statement stated.
The commission did not specify how many records are affected or in which voting centres the problems have been reported.