National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) has urged voters in Lilongwe to scrutinise parliamentary aspirants’ manifestos to make informed decision on who to vote for on September 16.
Nice district programmes officer Hajira Ali said this on Wednesday in Masintha Constituency where her organisation hosted a debate for parliamentary aspirants.
She said the debate was designed to help constituents assess their aspirants and give contenders a platform to present their plans.
Five of the seven invited candidates took part, among them Juliana Kaduya of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM’s Joseph Chidanti Malunga.
Others were independents Ireen Chimdzeka, Joseph Chasweka and Rose Chikala of People’s Development Party and Rahim Elias of United Democratic Front (UDF).
Independent candidate Gibson Nyirenda and Democratic Progressive Party aspirant Frackson Walapa did not turn up.
Kaduya, who is also former Lilongwe City Mayor and Kaliyeka ward councillor, promised bursaries for poor learners and greater access to National Economic Empowerment Fund loans.
“Vote for me and MCP to continue the development that President Lazarus Chakwera has started,” she said.
On his part, Malunga said hunger and poverty were worsening under the current administration.
“The MCP government has already failed, so why should we bring them back?” he asked.
Independent candidate Chimdzeka promised to build a bridge over the river separating Kawale 1 and 2 if elected.
The debate was funded by the European Union
