Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner Rev. Philip Kambulire has urged the public to take the ongoing voter verification exercise seriously, warning that failure to verify details now may cause unnecessary challenges on polling day.
Kambulire made the remarks on Wednesday in Karonga District after inspecting the voter verification exercise at Ighembe Ward.
“It is not good for people to be unsure whether their names are on the voter register. The problem arises when they show up on voting day and discover errors in how their names were recorded. Attempting to correct such mistakes during polling is unacceptable,” said Kambulire.
He emphasized that the verification period provides ample time for voters to check their details and have any errors corrected before polling day.
The commissioner further said the Commission is intensifying public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process and reduce voter apathy. He also called on journalists and other electoral stakeholders to work together in civic education efforts, focusing on the importance of voting and the voting process.
Meanwhile, Centre Supervisor at Changwina Registration Centre, Wilson Mwangama, attributed the low turnout for the verification exercise to heavy rains that affected the area on the opening day. He also noted that the ongoing farming season has kept many people occupied in their fields, limiting their participation in the exercise.
