The National Initiative for Civic Education Public Trust has asked the electorate to screen candidates for the 2014 tripartite elections before voting for them.
In 2014, the country will elect the president, MPs and councillors at the same time, a departure from the past when local government elections were held separately.
Nsanje district civic education officer Kondwani Malunga made the appeal on Tuesdayduring a sensitisation meeting on the elections.
The meeting was held at Mtowe Community Day Secondary School in Traditional Authority (T/A) Ndamera in the district.
Malunga said Nice has observed that most leaders are voted into power because of the handouts they distribute and not on account of their ideas.
“Remember that the reason behind elections is to choose the best citizens who can develop the country. We should, therefore, avoid greedy leaders who pretend to love us by distributing handouts, but ignore us we have voted them into power,” said Malunga.
He also warned political leaders against using the youth to perpetrate violence.
“As citizens, it is your duty to vote, follow up on development projects and propose what you want in your communities. No one should impose development projects on your community,” said Malunga.
T/A Ndamera praised the organisation for education people on their rights and responsibilities.
