EC to review civic, voter education strategy

The Electoral Commission (EC) says it will review its 2009 civic and voter education strategy document to ensure involvement of many stakeholders in the 2014 tripartite elections.

The 2009 civic and voter strategy gives direction on the conduct of voter and civic education to minimise voter apathy and reduce null and void votes.

In an e-mailed response to the Malawi News Agency (Mana), EC’s director of media and public relations Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the commission is expecting the exercise to start immediately after consultants are identified and that it is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2013.

He said the review is expected to address challenges that were experienced in the 2009 elections.

“The review will determine areas to be added or removed from the strategy depending on their relevance to the civic and voter education strategic direction for the 2014 tripartite elections.

“Among others, the 2009 civic and voter education strategy highlights areas of focus when conducting civic education like promoting participation of vulnerable groups such as the youth, women, the physically challenged and those affected by HIV and Aids.

“The document also encourages public participation in various electoral processes which provides an insight to the electorate to make informed decisions,” he said.

Mwafulirwa said the review would give a re-focused direction to the conduct of voter and civic education by the commission and all stakeholders.

The commission is expected to review the document with support from the European Union Democratic Governance Programme.