National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has asked people in Nsanje District to patronise political rallies to hear candidates’ manifestos to enable them make informed choices when voting.
Nsanje District Nice civic education officer Kondwani Malunga said this yesterday at Nyachipere Community Day Secondary School during a political debate which his office organised in collaboration with other stakeholders.
He said: “Our objective of the debate is to provide a platform for candidates to sell their manifestos to voters for them to have an opportunity to assess the candidates through facts presented.
accountability. | Martin Gela Jnr
“We wanted to promote accountability for documenting campaign promises which citizens would use to hold the elected leaders accountable on their promises. Through the debate, we are also promoting peaceful engagement and tolerance among political party supporters, mobilising people to vote on September 16 as well as demonstrating to voters how to mark the ballot correctly to reduce null and void votes.”
On her part, Malawi Electoral Commission Nsanje South Constituency civic voter education assistant Monica Chimombo reminded the gathering that voting places will be closed at 4pm.
She said those who want to vote should go to the polling centre before 4pm and also desist from wearing party colours.
Group village head Simoko commended Nice Trust for the messages.
During the debate, former legislator Ramzan Juma Mahomedi (independent) and Edwin Thom Ola of Malawi Congress Party shared their manifestos with the audience.
Nice Trust is facilitating the debates with funding from the European Union under Boma Lathu Project.
