The Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture has commended the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust for its efforts in voter civic education awareness campaigns ahead of the September 16 General Election in the country.
Secretary in the Ministry, Elizabeth Chindebvu Gomani made the remarks after attending a public debate organized by NICE Blantyre offices at Nancholi Primary School in Blantyre South West Constituency on Friday.
According to Chindebvu Gomani, integrating debates and other awareness campaign techniques by NICE has helped to reach out to a lot of voters.
“Debates create a good platform for candidates to sell their manifestos. Unlike political rallies, debates also promote peace and unity since all the candidates and supporters are brought to one place.
“This helps the candidates to unpack their promises while reaching out to all voters including those from their opposing sides. I, therefore, commend NICE for the initiatives,” she said.
Blantyre NICE District Programme Officer Glory Ngosi Maulidi said they have covered all constituencies in the district with debates.
“Apart from giving the chance to the candidates to unpack their plans, we also gave a chance to the voters to ask questions. As NICE, we also used the platform to educate the voters on the voting processes, and the right way to vote on the ballot paper,” she said.
During the debate, NICE also brought in a representative from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to preach against the tendency of candidates giving handouts to voters.
Shadow councilor Chigwaja Ward, Thokozile Kampondeni commended NICE for the debate which works well for shadow candidates with little resources.
The debates are being held under the “Our Government” project with support from the European Union.
“Apart from giving the chance to the candidates to unpack their plans, we also gave a chance to the voters to ask questions.”
Glory Ngosi Maulidi
Blantyre NICE District Programme Officer
