Gotani Hara Urges Traditional Leaders to Mobilize Voter Registration
By Christian Juma……
Catherine Gotani Hara, Vice President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Speaker of the National Assembly, has called on traditional leaders in Karonga District to intensify efforts in encouraging their communities to register for the ongoing voter registration exercise.
During a whistle-stop tour on Saturday, which started at Songwe Border and ended in Khwawa, Gotani Hara emphasized the importance of registering to vote, stating that it would ensure everyone participates in the upcoming elections on September 16, 2025, to support the continuation of the current government’s development initiatives.
“Every eligible voter must register so that, come September 16, 2025, everyone should vote for the current government to enable it to continue its development agenda. The government is committed to developing this country beyond recognition. That is why it is constructing the Mzuzu-Chiweta-Karonga road and has sourced funds for the Karonga-Chitipa road,” she said.
Gotani Hara also urged women, in particular, to register in large numbers, noting their crucial role in managing households and the hardships they face when there is a lack of food.
“This government has rehabilitated several irrigation schemes to boost winter cropping, ensuring food and income security. Therefore, women, who make up a large portion of the population, should register in large numbers to vote for Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, so he can continue developing the country,” she added.
At a rally at Pusi Trading Centre in Senior Chief Kilupula’s area, Group Village Headman Chibobola took the opportunity to request the government to rehabilitate the Ujiji irrigation scheme, which would allow smallholder farmers to harvest twice a year.
“Madam Vice President, I urge the government to rehabilitate the scheme and construct a dyke at the Nkhalamu River to manage water flow, protecting people’s lives and crops,” he said.
During the same event, the MCP’s District Chairperson, James Emmanuel Nkhoma, introduced Blessings Viyuyi, a former influential youth member of the UTM Party, who recently joined the MCP.
Nkhoma described Viyuyi’s move as a sign of the party’s growing strength. “The arrival of Viyuyi shows that MCP is a diverse party, ready to collaborate with the youth to drive meaningful development and achieve President Chakwera’s vision,” he remarked.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is currently conducting phase one of the voter registration exercise across 13 district councils, including Karonga. The exercise, which began on October 21, will continue until August 3, 2024.
