Inadequate Civic Education Contributes to Low Voter Turnout in By-Elections, says Malawi Electoral Commission
ZOMBA, MALAWI — Inadequate civic education and mobilisation campaigns have been identified as contributing factors to the low turnout of voters in by-elections in Malawi, writes Peter Davieson.
This statement was made by the Commissioner of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Francis Kasaila, during the inspection of voters' registration and verification at Mtiya ward in Zomba district.
During an interview, Kasaila stressed the need to intensify civic education and mobilisation campaigns in order to increase the number of voters at district centres.
He also emphasised the importance of engaging political parties to encourage their supporters to register and verify their names.
"We are interested in new registrants because these are the people that make a difference, so we are trying to engage them more. In the centres we have visited, we have seen that some are doing much better while others are still registering low numbers. However, the good thing is that Zomba has been very peaceful, and we haven't had any incidents for the past three days," Kasaila concluded.
The MEC's call for improved civic education and mobilisation campaigns comes as Malawi prepares for upcoming by-elections.
It is hoped that these efforts will address the issue of low voter turnout and ensure a more inclusive and participatory electoral process.
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