Voter registration starts on a low note in MJ ward
Registration and verification of voters for the forthcoming by-elections in Milonde Ward in Mulanje South East Constituency has started on a low note.
A visit by Malawi News Agency to Mpala, Milonde, Misiyoni and Chimwaza registration centres established that only a few people turned up for the exercise on the first day, a development attributed to lack of sensitisation.
In an interview, registration centre clerk at Milonde Ward Tinkhani Phiri said they have conducted verification of a few people that came with no one coming to register for the first time.
“We have had low turn up of people and from our own findings, most people are saying they had no knowledge about the commencement of the registration and verification exercise,” said Phiri.
In response, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioner Elvey Mtafu, who came for a sensitisation meeting with local leaders in the area, said it is unfortunate that people said they were not informed about the development as the elections body used local media and conducted meetings with leaders some months ago on the same.
“As MEC, we have been planning for the by-elections and this also included meeting with chiefs and local media to help us in sensitising the masses to the by-election and it is strange to hear people had no idea,” she said.
