The NICE Trust urges voters in Balaka district to actively participate in the September elections, emphasizing the importance of choosing leaders focused on community welfare. Henry Zekeria reminded citizens of their constitutional right to vote and highlighted the need for issue-based campaign messages, as prohibited by the Political Party Act. Group Village Head Lemu supports these efforts, aiming to enhance voter engagement ahead of the elections.
The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has called upon prospective voters in Balaka district to engage actively in the electoral process and select leaders they believe in during the upcoming September 16 General Elections. This appeal was made by Henry Zekeria, the Trust’s programme manager for Balaka District, during a recent community meeting in Lemu village, under Traditional Authority Kachenga.
Zekeria emphasized that the campaign intends to motivate voters to choose leaders who genuinely care for the welfare of their communities. He affirmed that participating in the electoral process is a constitutional right, one which every Malawian should exercise to ensure their voices are represented in governance.
Furthermore, he urged voters to remain vigilant and to support candidates who advocate for issue-based campaigns. He reiterated, “The Political Party Act prohibits politicians from dishing hand-outs in exchange for votes. If they give you something, receive it. But remember to vote for leaders who have solutions to various challenges you are facing as a community.”
The Group Village Head of Lemu praised NICE Trust for this initiative, promising to disseminate the information to his community members. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that eligible voters are encouraged to fulfill their voting rights in the forthcoming elections, thereby electing competent leaders who can address their societal challenges.
As part of the electoral preparations, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) recently conducted a voter transfer exercise in Balaka district on February 25-27, 2025. Preliminary statistics indicate that the district registered approximately 169,829 voters throughout all phases of the registration process.
The NICE Trust is implementing the “Boma Lathu” Programme in Balaka district, supported by funding from the European Union (EU). This initiative aims to empower local authorities by holding them accountable for addressing the issues raised by the communities they serve.
In conclusion, the NICE Trust’s initiative in Balaka district seeks to foster active voter participation in the upcoming elections. By urging citizens to select leaders based on their commitment to addressing community challenges, it underscores the importance of informed voting. With significant registration numbers, the collaborative efforts between NICE Trust and local leaders aim to ensure that citizens exercise their electoral rights to influence governance positively.
Original Source: malawi24.com