Visually impaired Likoma Island residents have asked National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) to include them in civic education committees in the run up to the forthcoming May 20 2014 tripartite elections.
The plea was made on Wednesday during a voter registration awareness workshop which targeted the visually impaired at Likoma and Chizumulu islands.
“We wonder why we are not included in these committees while our counterparts, those with other disabilities, are considered,” said one participant, Dorothy Chiunda.
Nice Likoma district coordinator, Patrick Chikoti, promised to look into the matter.
The workshop attracted 18 participants, including associate members who guide the visually impaired persons walk around and help them understand written material.
Regional civic education officer for the North, Enock Chinkhuntha said they recognise the right of every Malawian, including the physically challenged, to participate in the electoral process.
“Every Malawian has the right to register and take part in the forthcoming polls. And since this is the first ever tripartite elections to be conducted in the country, we feel deliberate awareness campaigns such as this one are very vital,” he said.—Mana
