Malawi Rolls Out Nationwide Voter Education on New Electoral Laws
The meetings are being conducted across all councils to ensure comprehensive voter education ahead of next year's elections.
MANGOCHI, Malawi- The Malawi Electoral Commission is conducting nationwide awareness meetings to educate stakeholders and the public on changes to electoral laws ahead of the 2025 general elections, writes Winston Mwale.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Mangochi District on Thursday, MEC Commissioner Richard Chapweteka emphasized the importance of informing citizens about the revised legal framework, which came into effect on June 15, 2023.
"We are engaging political parties, chiefs and other key stakeholders because there are new electoral laws passed in Parliament in 2022 which have changed quite a lot," Chapweteka said.
"We cannot go to an election without informing people, as that would not be fair."
He cited examples of major changes, such as the national ID becoming the only accepted voter identification document, replacing previous options.
Voting hours have also been revised from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chapweteka said the commission is tapping traditional leaders, political parties and other influential groups to disseminate the updates given their ability to reach masses of people across communities.
"We cannot reach out to each and every one in every village. That's impossible," he said.
"We are engaging leaders who can communicate the same to their subjects."
The commissioner added that radio is another channel being utilized but acknowledged its limitation in achieving full national coverage.
Chapweteka stressed the pivotal role of political parties in the voter education drive, noting, "Political leaders need these voters. If they don't communicate the changes, how will people vote for them?"
The awareness campaign kicks into higher gear as Malawi's campaign period gets underway, with politicians expected to incorporate the electoral law briefings into their rallies and outreach events nationwide.
The meetings are being conducted across all councils to ensure comprehensive voter education ahead of next year's elections.