Malawi Electoral commission bemoans low turn out in voter registration

Chairperson of Malawi Electoral commission MEC Justice Dr Jane Ansah has bemoaned low turn out of people in voter registration exercise.

Ansah expressed worry after touring some of the registration centres in the first phase which is underway in Salima, Dedza and Kasungu.

for the first time in the history of Malawi the country is using biometric system of voter registration.

Responding to the worry Malawi Electoral Support Network MESN has reiterated the need for civil society organizations to be funded for them to effectively carry out mass civic voter education in the run up to 2019 tripartite elections.

MESN Chairperson Steve Duwa said “it is sad that MEC has failed to support calls for the CSO’s funding, adding their involvement is crucial in this election, since there is a new system which needs intensive sensitization.”

Duwa added that there is still time for MEC to act and engage many civil society organizations to carry out civic and voter education as the commission cannot do an election alone.