Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for decoding codewords in a multi-section non-binary LDPC decoder. For example, an LDPC decoder is disclosed that includes a variable node processor operable to perform variable node updates based at least in part on check node to variable node messages and to generate variable node to check node messages, and a check node processor operable to process the variable node to check node messages in groups across each of a plurality of sections of an H matrix and to generate the check node to variable node messages.