By Christabel Rudi….
Misheck Banda, a senior lecturer at Mzuzu University and known by his stage name “Sparrow,” has taken to the streets of Mzuzu City, leveraging his Theatre for Development (TfD) expertise to rally citizens for voter registration.
Launching his initiative on Thursday, the accomplished “Alufeyo” movie writer and actor emphasized the importance of registration as the cornerstone of a successful election. Banda began this campaign on Monday with a visit to St. Augustine, launching a two-week, non-stop voter registration drive.
Speaking to the press, he stressed the need for Malawians to register.
“We should all go for voter registration; this is the first step if we are to make a meaningful contribution toward the development of our newly created constituency as well as national leadership. With just the national ID, you will be registered,” said the TfD and Intellectual Property professional.
Mzuzu City has been divided into three constituencies, with Mzuzu University now located in the Mzuzu City North constituency, which includes Luwinga, Lupaso, Zolozolo, and Chiputula.
“This means Luwinga is now a university constituency, and it will be important and strategic to have someone from the university represent it. I am from the university, and I encourage everybody to register for voting,” said Banda, who was hesitant to confirm his candidacy.
“There is nothing wrong with serving the community beyond the walls of the university. After all, I have been part of this community long enough to understand its challenges and aspirations.”
However, sources inform us that Misheck Banda intends to contest as an independent MP for the newly demarcated Mzuzu City North constituency. His metaphorical responses to inquiries about his candidacy suggest a strong intent to run.
This development indicates that Mzuni will have a significant presence and influence in the constituency, reinforcing the aspiration to make Luwinga a central hub of Mzuzu City.
Banda has urged Mzuni students to take this opportunity to register in large numbers to shape the upcoming elections. According to information received, Mzuni students will register at St. Augustine Primary School and Mzuzu Demonstration Primary School, located behind Norah Hostel.
“Let us all go and register for voting. Our own TfD lecturer is encouraging Mzuzu residents to register, and charity begins at home. We should be the first to register. Remember, it starts with registering,” said Tadala Wako, a second-year Communication Studies student at Mzuzu University, who was registering at St. Augustine Primary School.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has launched voter registration in all regions in phases, with the first phase ending on November 3, 2024. In the northern region, registration has begun in Chitipa, Karonga, Karonga Town, and Mzuzu.