Renowned election observer Unandi Banda, who leads the National Elections Systems Trust (NEST), has attributed the low voter turnout in the ongoing registration process to widespread misinformation and a lack of proactive engagement by opposition political party leaders.

Banda believes that if opposition leaders had registered early and actively mobilized their supporters, many citizens would have followed their example. “Party leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for voter participation. Their late involvement sends the wrong message,” Banda explained.

In the final days of the second phase of voter registration, opposition leaders, including DPP president Peter Mutharika, PP president Dr. Joyce Banda, UTM presidential hopeful Dalitso Kabambe, and Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, were seen urging Malawians to register. However, Banda criticized their last-minute efforts, describing them as counterproductive. “This approach created unnecessary panic among those who had already decided not to participate,” he stated.

**NICE Trust Advocates for Improved Civic Education**

Grace Hara, spokesperson for the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, emphasized the importance of continued efforts to educate and encourage citizens to register. “We are committed to mobilizing eligible Malawians, but more collective efforts are needed to ensure everyone can exercise their right to vote,” Hara said. The trust is still assessing the reasons behind the registration challenges.

**MEC to Decide on Possible Extension**

The first phase of the registration exercise saw 2.2 million Malawians register, while 1.1 million eligible voters did not participate. Preliminary observations indicate similar trends in the second phase, prompting stakeholders to call for an extension of the registration period. 

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is reviewing the registration statistics and will decide on a potential extension. "Based on this assessment, the Commission will advise whether an extension is appropriate," said Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations.

Meanwhile, phase three of the registration exercise is scheduled to begin on November 28, covering districts such as Mzimba, Lilongwe, Mwanza, Mangochi, Chikwawa, and Nsanje.