From Malawi, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that a Burundian national is in custody following an attempt to register in the ongoing registration process being undertaken by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

Speaking about the arrest, Kanego police spokesperson, Ester Mkwanda, said the suspect, Bikomana Enesita, 25, went to Area 25A registration centre yesterday and tried to register.

“Bikomana went to Area 25A registration centre and tried to register saying that he was a Malawian. He went with his witness Hosea Samson aged 23 who is a Malawian. The witness tried to convince people working at the centre that indeed Bikomana was a Malawian.

“Upon further questioning, the foreigner revealed that he was not a Malawian but has stayed in Malawi for seven years.

“When the police tried to quiz him, he also revealed that he was a Burundian who has been in the country for seven years as a refugee”, she said.

According to the law, a refugee is not eligible to participate in elections even though he/she has stayed in the country for seven years.

The police spokesperson added: “The suspect will appear in court on Wednesday and will answer charges of obtaining registration card by giving out false information which is contrary to section 115 of the parliamentary and presidential elections act.

“If found guilty, Enesita will have to pay a fine of K50,000 and serve two years imprisonment with hard labour.

She also revealed that the witness to the Burundian, Hosea Samson has been arrested for giving out false information to obtain registration card for another person. This, according to her, contradict Section 48 of the Local Government Act.

If found guilty, Samson will pay a fine of K 50,000 and in default serve five years imprisonment with hard labour.