‘Go register to Vote’

The on-going second phase of the registration being executed by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has drawn an increased youth participation.

A snap survey conducted on Thursday in Blantyre Malabada and Blantyre City South constituencies established long queues of prospective registrants which were overshadowed by members of the younger generation.

The survey further revealed that most of the youths that lined up for registration in places such as Manja, Chimwankhunda, Zingwangwa and Chitawira on the inaugural day of phase two are scheduled to vote in the poll for the first time.

The development could be attributed to a series of youth voter awareness campaigns currently being advocated by MEC accredited organisations which are encouraging the youth to participate in the forthcoming tripartite elections.

A youth from Manja Township who visited Manja primary school centre, Golden Kondwani, said he was excited to register for the May 20 polls having attained the age of 18 last month. He noted that is the duty of every citizen including members of the younger generation to actively participate in Malawi’s electoral processes.

“This is the only time when all citizens who have reached the voting age individually can make a democratic decision on which candidate should represent them in the Local Assembly, National Assembly or to be their Head of State and that process begins with registration,” he said.

Media Networking and Advocacy Officer for Youth Net and Counselling (Yoneco) Charles Banda disclosed in an interview that his organisation has intensified a youth campaign aimed at sensitising the youth on the importance of exercising their right to elect Ward Counsellors, Members of Parliament and President in the forthcoming polls.