MEC engages chiefs onby-elections in Karonga
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) commissioner Anthony Mukumbwa has urged chiefs in Karonga to take part in voter and civic education ahead of the March 26 2024 Local Government by-elections in three wards in the district.
He said this on Tuesday at Lulindo in Rukuru Ward in Karonga North-West Constituency where MEC courted traditional leaders on voter and civic education.
Mukumbwa said traditional leaders play a crucial role in elections due to their proximity with voters.
“Therefore, it is commendable that MEC involves traditional leaders in voter and civic education because collaborative initiatives such as these contribute to fostering informed and engaged communities for credible by-elections,” he said.
Mukumbwa further called on chiefs to take advantage of various community gatherings to inform people on voter registration exercise to encourage active participation in the electoral processes.
“Voting is a crucial constitutional right to ensure that responsible leadership is voted into power. Therefore, help us to mobilise people to register and verify their names when the exercise begins on February 19 2024,” he said.
Group village head Mwangwera commended MEC for engaging them on voter registration exercise.
He said they will relay the messages to their subjects to ensure active and inclusive participation in the election.
On his part, group village head Mwenenguwe said they will encourage their subjects to cast their votes to prevent low voter turnout which mars by-elections in the country.
During the meeting, MEC official Sam Malasa Banda unpacked the new electoral laws which include change of voting time which now starts at 6am to 4pm and the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Act of 2023.
MEC will conduct by-elections in Rukuru, Chilanga and Kaporo wards following the conviction of three ward councillors in September last year.
