Ngoni King Urges Voter Registration, Wise Use of Farm Subsidies
Ngoni King Urges Voter Registration, Wise Use of Farm Subsidies
The Ngoni king's push for civic engagement and agricultural responsibility comes as Malawi grapples with economic challenges and prepares for a crucial election cycle.
MZIMBA, Malawi — The paramount chief of Malawi's Ngoni people is rallying his subjects to participate in the upcoming voter registration drive and make smart use of agricultural subsidies, writes Lovemore Shaba.
Inkosi Ya Makhosi M'mbelwa V, addressing villagers in Ekwendeni, urged widespread participation in next week's voter registration for the 2025 general election.
"Let us all register in large numbers to ensure we have the opportunity to vote," M'mbelwa said during his visit to discuss local development initiatives.
The traditional leader also tackled the hot-button issue of Malawi's Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), a government subsidy scheme for farmers.
With the program facing cuts, M'mbelwa cautioned against misuse of the coveted coupons.
"Do not sell the coupons," he warned. "We must use them wisely to maximize agricultural production."
Malawi's Electoral Commission has set the voter registration period for Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, 2024.
The Ngoni king's push for civic engagement and agricultural responsibility comes as Malawi grapples with economic challenges and prepares for a crucial election cycle.