Embassy to probe reports of Zambians registering

The Zambian High Commission says it will investigate recent reports that some Zambians were registering to vote in 2014 in the border district of Mchinji.
The law does not allow non-Malawian citizens to vote in elections unless they live in the country for seven years. But this provision does not apply to refugees.
A statement issued by the commission’s press secretary Chansa Kabwela said the embassy will work with the authorities in Zambia and Malawi to investigate the issue.
“However, it is very difficult for one to prove to be Zambian in the absence of a National Registration Card (NRC), a requirement for all Zambians once they attain the age of 16,” reads the statement.
Zambian High Commissioner Charles Banda said the matter will be investigated with urgency.
“We hope these people who were reportedly turned away had NRCs or passports because that is the only proof one should have of being Zambian. Otherwise, we will look into the matter with the urgency it disserves,” said Banda.
In a related development, the Nkukula Magistrate’s Court in Lumbadzi, Lilongwe, has sentenced a Burundian refugee, Bikorimana Enesite, to a 15-month jail term and a K140 000 fine for registering to vote in the 2014 elections.
According to Kanengo Police spokesperson Esther Mkwanda, magistrate Chidima Phiri meted out the tough punishment to deter would-be offenders.
“The magistrate said the suspect knew he was registering illegally and thus changed his name to Jeremiah Mpiri.
“The Malawian who posed as his witness during the registration has also been found guilty and is yet to receive his sentence,” said Mkwanda.