The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has expressed concern over the low turn-up of people in registration centres currently under way in Ntchisi district.

Speaking to Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) on Tuesday, NICE District Program Officer for Ntchisi, Adam Disi, said out of the 198, 265 people that registered in 2019, about 49,083 have so far registered in the current voter’s registration exercise representing 25 percent.

Disi added that their findings show that this is due to failure by authorities to complete the   Ntchisi -Dzaleka M7 road and the Ntchisi Stadium.

But MEC District Elections Officer for Ntchisi, Richard Kaleya, expressed hope that the situation would improve as days pass.

On Monday last week when MEC rolled out the first phase of the registration, Malawi’s most celebrated and revered Governance and Human Rights Advocate, Undule Mwakasungula, appealed to eligible Malawians to register so that they can participate in the next year’s General Elections.

However, there have been reports that ‘very few people’ are patronizing MEC registration centres, a development that sparked fear that there may be voter apathy in the September 2025 General Elections.

In an interview on Monday afternoon, Mwakasungula said registration is an important opportunity for all eligible citizens to ensure they can participate in the upcoming elections.

“It is important for every Malawian to understand that registering to vote is a constitutional right and a chance to elect the leaders of their choice. If you do not register, you will not be able to vote in the September 16, 2025 elections, meaning you will miss the chance to influence Malawi’s direction of your choice. If you meet the eligibility criteria, make sure you register. Your voice matters and your vote is your power!” he said.

Mwakasungua advised Malawians who are facing challenges to register to lodge or channel their grievances with relevant authorities.

“Additionally, they can call civil society organizations to help play their role in mobilizing Malawians to register in large numbers during this period,” he said.

The first phase of the exercise is taking place in Chitipa, Karonga, Karonga Town, Mzuzu, Nkhotakota, Ntchisi, Salima, Dedza, Balaka, Machinga, Chiradzulu, Neno, Phalombbe and Mulanje. It is expected to end on November 3, 2024.