NSANJE COMMUNITIES URGED TO EMBRACE ISSUE-BASED CAMPAIGNING

This week, we are in Nsanje for the No Cash Handouts Campaign and political public debates under the European Union in Malawi-funded Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project.

Using a public address system, key messages are being shared in marketplaces and along roads, urging communities to reject vote-buying, embrace issues-based campaigns and support women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the upcoming September 16 General Elections.

The community awareness initiative, organised by WOLREC and Oxfam in Malawi, also emphasises the importance of peaceful elections and denounces any form of electoral violence.

During an engagement at Fatima in Nsanje North Constituency, aspiring Member of Parliament Rose Makiyi pledged to improve access to essential services if elected.

“I will ensure that women no longer walk long distances to access healthcare and that girls have better access to education,” said Makiyi, the current councillor for Kalulu Ward.

Also present during the events are officials from the District Council, NICE Public Trust Malawi, the Malawi Electoral Commission, and aspiring candidates from various political parties.

NICE District Programme Officer, Kondwani Malunga, expressed concern that out of the ten councillors in Nsanje, only one is a woman—highlighting the urgent need for greater gender inclusion in leadership.