The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has cautioned politicians vying for various positions in the September 16 General Elections against promising development projects that are not within their jurisdiction.
NICE District Program Officer Daniel Malango fears that promising something a candidate cannot deliver could create false perceptions and expectations, which would eventually affect voter turnout in future elections, as the electorate loses trust in their elected leaders.
Malango made the sentiments in Lilongwe Northwest Constituency, where his organization conducted a political debate, observing that, since the advent of multiparty democracy, campaign manifestos have become a source of disquiet to the voters, as politicians make temporary promises to satisfy voters during each new election campaign.
“Promising what you cannot deliver raises the public’s expectations, creating false perceptions that, following the election, communities will receive the services promised; and when this is not done, the electorate feels used and dumped.”
Malango said that over the decades, election manifestos and campaigns of participating contestants have shared a series of recurring themes since 1994: arresting poor service delivery in government; improving basic service delivery; developing infrastructure; fighting corruption and creating employment.
“But when these promises are not fulfilled, the voters feel deceived and disgruntled,” he said.
“Promising what you cannot deliver raises the public’s expectations, creating false perceptions.”
Daniel Malango
NICE District Program Officer
