The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has reported the arrest of Shaime Hassan, a 19-year-old Mozambican national, for allegedly attempting to register as a voter at Ntanga CBO registration center in Mangochi.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process as the country nears the end of voter registration.
MEC Communications Officer Richard Mveriwa in a press statement says Hassan was apprehended after registration officials noticed inconsistencies in his documentation.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered that he possessed two identity cards: a Malawian National Registration Bureau (NRB) card, which is suspected to have been fraudulently obtained, and a Mozambican national identity card.
“The suspect was caught during the registration process when inconsistencies were noticed in his documentation,” the MEC revealed in a statement.
Law enforcement is continuing its inquiries into how Hassan obtained the Malawian NRB card.
MEC has meanwhile urged all residents, including foreign nationals, to adhere to Malawi’s electoral laws.
“The integrity of our elections relies on each voter’s commitment to uphold these principles,” said MEC Communications Officer Richard Mveriwa.
The Commission further warned that attempting to register illegally is a grave offense with serious legal consequences.
Citizens and community leaders have been encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious registration activities.
“We appeal to community leaders and citizens to report any suspicious registration attempts to authorities to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement added.
The third and final phase of voter registration concludes today, December 11, 2024, marking the end of a critical stage in preparation for Malawi’s upcoming elections.
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