National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has engaged inmates at Ntcheu Prison on electoral processes ahead of the September 16 2025 General Election.
The outreach is part of Nice’s activities to disseminate electoral information to encourage inmates to vote in September.
Ntcheu Nice programme officer Yohane Keala emphasised the importance of inmates participating in an election when he visited the facility on Saturday.
“Inmates remain citizens with full rights, including the right to vote. This visit is, therefore, about equipping them with the right information ahead of the elections,” he said.
Keala urged the inmates to engage in all electoral processes, starting from voter registration to voting.
He also advised those to be released before the polling day to shun violence during campaign.
“Freedom comes with responsibility. Let us be ambassadors of peace during this electoral season,” said Keala.
Speaking on behalf of Ntcheu Prison, Steve Kamanga commended Nice Trut for reaching out to the prison community.
“You addressed not just the importance of voting, but also
of maintaining peace. Those who will be released were clearly advised to avoid violence or risk facing the law again,” he said.
Maxwell Makukha, speaking on behalf of fellow inmates, thanked Nice Trust for bridging the information gap.
“Your visit has helped us understand electoral process and timelines. We now feel empowered to take part in the elections,” he said.
Makukha, however, asked to Nice Trust to consider reintroducing radio distribution in prisons to improve access to information.
Ntcheu will be part of phase two of the voter verification exercise set for May 21 to 23 2025.
Malawi is heading to the polls on September 16 to elect a President, parliamentarians and ward councillors.
Nice Trust conducted the awareness with support from the European Union under the Boma Lathu Project
