Voter apathy pathway to dictatorship

BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR

Pan African Civic Education (Pacenet) in conjunction with Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children (Cavwoc) on Friday warned people in Chiradzulu against boycotting the forthcoming local government elections, saying the tendency will slide Malawi back to one-party state.

The organizations said voter apathy is detrimental to democracy as it encourages people in authority to manipulate their way into positions of leadership (buying votes).

The warning comes few days after by-elections in Dowa and Mangochi-Malombe Constituencies registered severe voter apathy, which also earned Malawi Electoral Commission (EC) and public worries.

Speaking at Mhasuwa CDSS when he opened a two-day training workshop for civic and voter educators, Pacenet executive director, Steve Duwa, expressed concern over people’s general lack of interest in elections after the 2004 general elections, saying the civil society can forsee a serious voter apathy in the next year’s local polls.

Voter turnout across all ages has been declining and according to Duwa, this could be a protest to their leaders.

“Unfortunately, though, this is not the best option to deal with ineffective leadership. Staying away from an election will only help ineffective and unwanted leaders to stay in office forever,” he said.

“I’m urging all eligible voters in this district to actively follow and participate in the local elections. Your vote is needed in a democracy,” Duwa added.

On women representation in the council elections, the Pacenet boss called upon people in the country to give women aspirants all the support for them to realize their dreams.

“But perhaps most of all, there's a sense that politics is dirty business. Some people assume moral and ethical individuals won't run because they can't stomach the compromises needed to raise the money and dodge the investigative reporters. There's also a perception that unless you're a wealthy, you might as well forget it. No! This is your chance women, try your luck,” he said.

In an interview, events coordinator in traditional authorities (TAs) Nkalo, Mpunga and Likoswe, George Chakwiya, called for vigorous and quality civic and voter education to woo more people into taking part in the polls slated for April 23 next year.

“A serious civic education is needed here. Many people don’t know the difference between an MP and a councilor. They are wondering why they should be going to polls next while their legislators are still alive,” explained Chakwiya.

Pacenet in collaboration with Cavwoc are conducting civic and voter education and 50-50 women representation campaigns in TAs Nkalo, Mpunga and Likoswe funding from Action Aid International Malawi (AAIM).
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