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| Justice Maxon Mbendera SC |
Next
year on 20th May, Malawians will go to the polls to elect a ward
councillor, a Member of Parliament and the State President.
In
preparation for the elections, the Malawi Electoral Commission will from 22nd
July start registration of voters. The Commission is conducting fresh
registration and this means that everyone will have to register whether they
registered during previous elections or not.
Registration
for the May 20, 2014 Tripartite Elections will be done in phases. The
Commission will be informing the nation through the radio and newspapers as to
the places where registration is taking place. Take note that everyone will
need to register at a centre within their ward.
To
register, you need to be a Malawian citizen or someone who has ordinarily been
a resident of the country for the past seven years, and be above the age of 18
or will turn 18 on May 20, 2014.
When
going for registration remember to take a valid identification document like a
passport, even though it might be expired, a driving licence, a student
identity card, marriage certificate, a birth certificate, employment identification
document or an old voter certificate. You may also go with someone who has
registered already to bear witness for you.
Please
note that everyone has to register once. Registering more than once is a
criminal offence and apart from being prosecuted you will also be disqualified
from participating in electoral activities. That means you cannot be allowed to
register or contest as a candidate.
You need
to register for you to vote and you also need to register if you wish to
contest as a candidate in any of the three elections.
Also
take note that it is not allowed to conduct political rallies or meetings
within a 100 metre radius of the registration centre. Ensure that when going
for registration you are not putting on party regalia or carrying anything that
can easily identify you with a political party or grouping.
The
registration centre is not a meeting place, so go back home immediately after
finishing registering and keep your voter certificate at a safe place.
May I
also appeal to political party leaders, faith leaders, teachers, parents,
employers and everyone with authority that whenever you are holding meetings
ensure that you mobilise your followers, supporters or members to register.
Voting
is your right and your power. Go and register when registration commences in
your area.
May Gob
bless our nation
I thank
you
