Voter registration for the March 17 by‑elections opened on a muted note with several registration centres recording little or no turnout by mid‑day yesterday.
A visit to Chilobwe Ward in Lilongwe Chilobwe Constituency found only MEC officials and equipment at some centres.
At Mtauka Centre, officials reported no technical glitches and said they expected voters to arrive later in the day.
MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja acknowledged that by-elections are usually characterised by low turnout of voters.
Mtalimanja attributed the situation to the on-going farming season, adding the commission will intensify civic education through various forums to ensure people turn out to register and vote on March 17.
“The process is supposed to go on for seven days from today [Saturday] to February 6. We will continue outreach programmes to ensure eligible voters register. We are going to intensify our civic and voter education.
“This registration is only for those who did not register for the September 16 General Election,” she said.
Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said the low turnout undermines the legitimacy of by-elections by allowing a small fraction of the electorate to determine leadership outcomes, weakening representative democracy and accountability.
He said the situation reflects deepening voter apathy and loss of hope in government policies to intensify targeted voter education and community mobilisation,
“While addressing practical barriers such as access, timing and communication, the government must respond to citizens’ economic grievances through fair and predictable policies.
“Political actors must offer credible, issue-based leadership that convinces people their participation can meaningfully influence policy and improve their lives,” said Kondowe.
MEC will on March 17 conduction parliamentary by-elections in Dedza Mtakataka, Blantyre West, Rumphi Central and Nkhotakota Liwaladzi constituencies.
In Nkhotakota Liwaladzi, MEC will not conduct fresh registration following the Supreme Court of Appeal ruling which directed that the by-election be conducted using the voters’ roll as it stood on September 16 2025 with no transfer for voters nor new registrations allowed.
The electoral body will also conduct local government by-elections in Ighembe Ward and constituencies of Karonga Songwe, Luwinga Ward, in Mzuzu City North, Linthembwe Ward, in Dowa Ngala, Chilobwe Ward in Lilongwe Chilobwe, Msitu Ward in Mchinji South, Mikongo Ward in Mangochi North East, Chanda Ward in Zomba Chikomwe, Chirunga Ward in Zomba City North and Muonekera Ward in Thyolo Goliati.
The poll outcome is expected to be announced by March 20 2026.
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