University of Livingstonia based political scientist George Phiri has questioned the conduct of the National Registration Bureau (NRB) and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) in readiness for the fresh presidential election. 

Phiri was reacting to allegations made by the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP)at a press briefing on Wednesday that over 7000 minors have been registered on the voters roll and the existence of ghost voters in the system.

He said the revelations are a clear violation of the rights of children and a criminal act.

“Registration of minors is illegal and a clear violation of their rights. If there is enough evidence for this act, then NRB and MEC can be dragged to court,” he said.

Phiri added: “It is very unfortunate that we can have a whole national registration bureau that registers minors when we know very well that children have no right to vote.”

When contacted for comment on the matter, both NRB and MEC officials did not give an immediate response.

NRB spokesperson Norman Fulatira asked for more time, while MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission will issue a response on the allegations at an appropriate time.