MALAWI: NRB Boss Mphatso Sambo Defends National ID Distribution Process

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Mphatso Sambo, the Principal Secretary of the National Registration Bureau (NRB), has reassured opposition party leaders that the distribution of national IDs is proceeding without any hindrances.

Sambo made the remarks during a meeting with opposition party leaders at the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) warehouse in Lilongwe, where national ID cards are being stored.

The meeting was attended by notable opposition party leaders, including Enoch Chihana of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Timothy Mtambo, the Vice President of AFORD, Peter Mukhitho, the spokesperson for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and the Chairperson of the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC).

According to Sambo, the NRB has put in place measures to ensure that the national ID cards are distributed efficiently and without any bias.

He emphasised that the cards are being sorted and verified before being dispatched to various locations.

Sambo also highlighted the role of machines in facilitating the national ID distribution process.

He noted that the machines have been instrumental in verifying the identities of applicants, thereby preventing any potential irregularities.

The opposition party leaders had expressed concerns about the national ID distribution process, citing fears of potential irregularities. However, Sambo’s reassurances appear to have alleviated some of these concerns.

The national ID distribution process is a critical component of Malawi’s electoral process, as it enables citizens to register and vote in elections.

The NRB’s efforts to ensure the efficient and transparent distribution of national IDs are, therefore, crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

In a related development, the NRB has been working to address concerns about the issuance of national IDs.

The bureau has introduced measures to streamline the registration process, including the use of digital technology to verify identities.