‘Shun elections at own peril’
The National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has warned that shunning elections carries the risk of fostering bad governance in the long run.
Nice district civic education officer for Thyolo, Moses Kaunda, sounded the warning last weekend during a sensitisation campaign ahead of the August 25 2015 by-elections.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will conduct by-elections in Luchenza Ward, Zomba Central Ward, Msikisi Ward in Mangochi, Chibanja Ward in Mzuzu and Khwawa Ward in Karonga.
Speaking at the sensitisation meeting at Luchenza Ground, Kaunda emphasised that elections are aimed at giving citizens opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose leaders.
He said by shunning away, people would simply be ushering in unwanted leaders into positions of authority.
“I, therefore, urge you to attend campaign rallies by aspiring candidates so that you are able to make informed decisions on the right person to vote for. Don’t vote based on handouts or personal relationship with the candidates,” said Kaunda.
Nice regional civic education officer for the South, Enock Chinkhuntha, warned the youth against falling prey to “overzealous politicians who abuse young people in their desperate efforts to win elections.”
“Bearing in mind youth desperation for money, politicians have tended to use young people to instil fear and perpetrate violence during elections. I advise you, young people, to desist from being abused by politicians lest you spoil your own future,” Chinkhuntha said. n
