Dowa NICE Office Educates Citizens on Amended Electoral Laws
Dowa NICE Office conducts awareness meetings to empower citizens about their rights and the newly amended electoral laws.
DOWA, MALAWI — The Dowa National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) office, with support from the Malawi Government, is conducting a series of awareness meetings to educate citizens about the newly amended electoral laws, writes Mphatso M'bang'ombe.
The Dowa NICE Office aims to empower citizens to actively participate in elections, exercise their right to vote, and hold elected representatives accountable.
The meetings serve as platforms for citizens to learn about their rights as voters, the election process, and the enforcement of the amended laws.
Dowa District Civic Education Officer (DCEO), Alinafe Chikakuda, emphasised the importance of electoral laws in ensuring transparent and democratic elections.
Chikakuda stated, "By educating citizens about these laws, we aim to empower them to participate actively in elections and hold elected representatives accountable."
The newly amended laws will be used during the upcoming tripartite elections in 2025. To be registered as eligible voters in the 2025 elections, communities need to have national identification.
Group Village Headman (GVH) Maweru expressed gratitude to the NICE public trust for organising the meeting in their area.
GVH Maweru urged the organisation to conduct more meetings in hard-to-reach areas, aiming to empower citizens to exercise their democratic rights and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive democracy in Malawi.
To ensure maximum reach and impact, the Dowa NICE Office utilises various communication channels.
They employ drama groups and Gulewamkulu within communities, such as marketplaces, schools, and community centres.
Additionally, they collaborate with local radio stations to conduct public broadcasts, ensuring that even those unable to attend the awareness meetings receive vital information.