Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (Cseif) has expressed concern with the low stakeholder participation in civic and voter education as the campaign period begins.
In an interview yesterday, Cseif chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said most civil society organisations (CSOs) that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) accredited to conduct civic education lack funding for the exercise, which may affect voter participation in the September 16 General Election.
He said a comprehensive civic and voter education would promote co-existence, tolerance, mutual respect and issue-based campaign.
Said Kondowe: “That has a huge implication on the ability to conduct comprehensive civic and voter education in the face of misinformation and disinformation.
“As the campaign is being launched, it is worrying to see few players carrying out civic and voter education activities.”
Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) chairperson Ben Chakhame said more civic and voter education is needed to encourage people to vote in large numbers.
He said: “This was also a challenge during the previous stages and we think there is room for improvement. We can do more.
“As political parties, we are also reaching out to the masses during our campaigns to sensitise them on the elections and how they will vote.”
United Democratic Front spokesperson Dyson Jangia said civic and voter education is key to reducing voter apathy.
“We need to do everything possible to ensure that people have the right information,” he said.
Governance expert and international elections observer Moses Mkandawire cautioned that failing to enhance civic and voter education will lead to voter apathy.
“You need civic and voter education to influence people to exercise their voting right,” he said.
CSOs have earlier indicated that they needed at least K30 billion for civic and voter education.
