Voter apathy fear in October by-elections
National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has disclosed plans to meet representatives of various political parties contesting in the October 12 2017 by-election in a move to avert voter apathy.
Nice district civic education officer (DCEO) for Lilongwe Urban Hajira Ali said in an interview yesterday that a group of supporters from one of the contesting parties thronged her office last week, seeking justification why MEC was holding a re-run.
Said Ali: “It would appear some constituents don’t understand the reason behind the re-run and why it is important for them to participate. We fear this could lead to voter apathy. Thus, we will soon be engaging leaders of various parties to discuss and find the best solution for averting voter apathy.”
She said her organisation will also employ services of artists such as musicians and comedians in disseminating information on the by-election.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will conduct by-elections in three constituencies of Lilongwe Msozi North, Lilongwe City South East and Nsanje Lalanje.
Other elections will take place in Mayani North Ward in Dedza, Mtsiriza Ward in Lilongwe City West Constituency and Ndirande Makata Ward in Blantyre.
MEC yesterday announced that commencement of voter registration, verification and inspection of the voters roll for those who already registered will run from 24 to 28 August 2017.
The Commission says all the centres will open from 8am up to 4pm everyday including weekends and will also remain operational during lunch time.
