Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has called upon traditional leaders, the clergy, and youth organisations in Blantyre West Constituency to put more efforts in mobilising the electorates to vote in the by-elections scheduled for March 17.
Speaking at a Civic and Voter Education meeting at Chigumukire Teachers Development Centre (TDC) Blantyre rural, MEC Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano announced that the Commission launched a voter education protocol to sensitize the public on the voting process after MEC failed to conduct the elections on September 16 last year due to death of a candidate.
Dr. Fabiano emphasised that community leaders must understand the electoral process and adhere to the electoral code of conduct.
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He also reminded eligible voters to register within the designated window to ensure their participation.
“Leaders are crucial for disseminating information and encouraging their communities to vote. Voters must ensure they register before the deadline on February 6 at 4:00 pm,” Dr. Fabiano said.
The commissioner clarified that while the overarching legal framework remains the same, specific by-election procedures may vary depending on the circumstances that necessitated the poll.
“Under these by-election regulations, candidates are prohibited from switching political parties. They are also tasked with encouraging voters to verify their names in the registry and participate peacefully on polling day,” he said.
Senior Chief Kuntaja pledged that traditional leaders will ensure that all candidates have equal access to campaign venues without fear of intimidation.
“Leaders should promote harmony; there must be no violence, vulgar language, or destruction of campaign materials. No candidate should be denied access to a venue for public meeting to campaign,” the Senior Chief added.
He further urged the electorates to scrutinise candidate manifestos, advising them to elect a visionary leader whose goals align with the national development agenda.
“This area remains underdeveloped and requires a representative dedicated to infrastructure and community respect,” he said.