By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has underscored the pivotal role of Community Leaders in disseminating information about new electro laws to the public, serving as guides for electro processes.
The new laws that came into effect in 2023 and that will be used in Karonga for By-Elections of Councilors, are the Constitution Amendment Act, Electro Amendment Act, and Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Election Act.
Speaking in an interview after holding an awareness meeting on new electoral laws at Chilanga Ward in Karonga, MEC Chairperson of Legal Services Committee Commissioner Caroline Mfune, highlighted the vital importance of Community Leaders as key agents in educating the public about the recently implemented electoral laws.
She further added that Community Leaders possess a unique ability to reach and engage diverse segments of society fostering understanding and compliance with the electoral regulations.
“The grassroots influence and trusted positions within their communities make them invaluable allies in ensuring that citizens are well informed and empowered to participate effectively in the democratic process hence the awareness meeting to enlighten them on the new electoral laws”, said Commissionor Mfune.
In his remarks, one of the participants Group Village headman Mwenechilanga, commended MEC for the awareness meeting describing it as an eye-opener.
The Village Headman therefore assured MEC that they will work tirelessly in collaboration with the Commission in raising awareness of the new electoral laws to their respective subjects.
Currently, the commission is in preparation for By-elections of Councilors in three wards in Karonga, Chilanga, and Rukulu Ward in Karonga Northwest Constituency and Kaporo Ward in Karonga North Constituency, scheduled to take place on March 26, 2024.
