High Court to Decide on 2025 Elections National Identity Cards

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi and Economic Freedom Movement are planning a shutdown in Lilongwe on October 9, 2024, to present a petition to the High Court of Malawi.

The petition seeks the court’s decision on whether Malawians should be allowed to vote in the 2025 elections with or without national identity cards.

This move comes after the groups presented a petition to the Malawi Parliament, urging them to repeal section 12, which they claim is inconsistent with section 77 of the Republic of Malawi.

However, despite assurances from the Speaker’s office, the private member’s motion was not tabled due to the Leader of Opposition Dr. George Chaponda’s absence.

Edwards Kambanje, leader of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, is calling on Malawians to join the peaceful demonstration, expressing hope that the courts will side with the people after Parliament and the National Registration Bureau failed to address the national ID issue.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are expressing concerns over the credibility of the 2025 elections, with AFORD’s President Enock Kamzingeni Chihana stating that Mec’s appointments are biased towards the Chewa tribe, which may lead to election rigging.

President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, warned the MCP led government that if it does not bow down to the demands of Malawians of voting with or without national IDs, it should expect no government and no Parliament in 2025.