Nice urges voters to demand signed contracts

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has advised Malawians to demand signed social contracts from contestants in local government and parliamentary elections in the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.

Nice Trust regional civic education officer (Centre) Christopher Naphiyo said the social contracts that candidates are signing with the electorates will enhance transparency and accountability among elected leaders.

He said this in Kayembe Ward in Dowa West Constituency on Sunday during a public debate Nice organised with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the German Embassy.

“The contracts would bind triumphant contestants to the promises made during the campaign, thereby consolidating democratic and good governance from the grass roots. I, therefore, urge you as rights holders to demand signed social contracts from the contestants,” he said.

During the debate, Nice showed a sample ballot paper and demonstrated how the voters can make the correct marking to reduce null and void votes.

Naphiyo also reminded the voters that it is within their constitutional right to collect another ballot in the event that they mistakenly spoiled the one initially given to them.

Senior Chief Kayembe commended Nice for providing civic education to the masses ahead of the elections.