Malawi's Youth Voters Hold Sway in Upcoming Elections
Young people, who make up more than half of Malawi's population, are expected to play a crucial role in the country's upcoming elections.
In Malawi, young people have been urged to vote despite their dissatisfaction with the government and the lack of enthusiasm for the major presidential candidates.
More than half of the impoverished central African nation's population is under the age of 35.
The turnout of young voters in the September polls could be a game-changer as they make up 54% of registered voters, compared to 2019 elections where 60% of those aged under 35 turned out to vote.
Fredokiss, a Malawian rapper-turned-politician, recently held an event that was part-rally and part-street party in Blantyre.
He said, "Youth people have the numbers; we have the voice.
We are the ones who will choose the next president — whether we like them or not — and the next MPs and councillors." Fredokiss is running for a seat in parliament for the second time after losing out in 2019.
The current President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, and his Malawi Congress Party are accused of mismanagement since regaining power in 2020.
The elections were held following the annulment of the previous polls due to widespread irregularities.
Chakwera took office in 2020.
The main challengers include two former presidents: Peter Mutharika, 85, and Joyce Banda, 74.
Former central bank governor Dalitso Kabambe, 51, is the youngest candidate among the major party contenders.
Malawi has a poverty rate of nearly three-quarters, according to the World Bank.
The economic issues including inflation nearing 30% and crippling fuel shortages have become significant concerns in the country.
Fredokiss often uses his music to criticize nepotism, tribalism, cronyism, exploitation of local labor by foreign businesses, and youth unemployment.
Many young voters feel disillusioned with politicians' lack of action on their demands for jobs, business opportunities, and hope.
A 30-year-old shopkeeper named Sandra expressed her dissatisfaction with the candidates: "I registered hoping for fresh candidates with real ideas, but none have shown up." Robert Chimtolo, who runs a youth empowerment non-profit organization, also expressed his lack of confidence in the candidates.
In 2019, 60% of under-35 voters turned out to vote compared to 80% of older voters.
The outcome of this election is expected to be influenced significantly by the young voters.
More than half of the impoverished central African nation's population is under the age of 35.
The turnout of young voters in the September polls could be a game-changer as they make up 54% of registered voters, compared to 2019 elections where 60% of those aged under 35 turned out to vote.
Fredokiss, a Malawian rapper-turned-politician, recently held an event that was part-rally and part-street party in Blantyre.
He said, "Youth people have the numbers; we have the voice.
We are the ones who will choose the next president — whether we like them or not — and the next MPs and councillors." Fredokiss is running for a seat in parliament for the second time after losing out in 2019.
The current President Lazarus Chakwera, 70, and his Malawi Congress Party are accused of mismanagement since regaining power in 2020.
The elections were held following the annulment of the previous polls due to widespread irregularities.
Chakwera took office in 2020.
The main challengers include two former presidents: Peter Mutharika, 85, and Joyce Banda, 74.
Former central bank governor Dalitso Kabambe, 51, is the youngest candidate among the major party contenders.
Malawi has a poverty rate of nearly three-quarters, according to the World Bank.
The economic issues including inflation nearing 30% and crippling fuel shortages have become significant concerns in the country.
Fredokiss often uses his music to criticize nepotism, tribalism, cronyism, exploitation of local labor by foreign businesses, and youth unemployment.
Many young voters feel disillusioned with politicians' lack of action on their demands for jobs, business opportunities, and hope.
A 30-year-old shopkeeper named Sandra expressed her dissatisfaction with the candidates: "I registered hoping for fresh candidates with real ideas, but none have shown up." Robert Chimtolo, who runs a youth empowerment non-profit organization, also expressed his lack of confidence in the candidates.
In 2019, 60% of under-35 voters turned out to vote compared to 80% of older voters.
The outcome of this election is expected to be influenced significantly by the young voters.
