Breaking the news, Blue League Deputy National Chairperson Dumisani Lindani said Phoya’s selection for the consultations was through a competitive process which included a submission of a comprehensive essay.

“I am told MCP and UDF also applied and not sure whether they succeeded or not because it was a competitive process where each potential candidate had to submit an essay and a lot other credentials. Requirements were a, belonging to a political organisation, University Degree, age under 35 and participation in an electoral process within the past 5 years,” said Lindani.

In an interview on Friday, Phoya said his participation will give Malawian youth a blue print on how they are expected to participate in electoral processes.

 “I am very excited to be part of the Consultative process not because I will be there but because the youth in Malawi will have their voice regardless of their affiliation. This is a platform that we all have been looking for and it indeed comes at a right time.

“For the youth, it will give us a blue print on how we are expected to participate in Electoral process. It will unlock our fears and help us move together with our colleagues across the region. A forum that prepares and enhances our participation in future elections,” said Phoya.

The consultations will be held under the theme; "Enhancing Young People's Meaningful participation in Electoral Process in Africa” and will take place at the East African Community Head Quarters from August 28-30, 2017.