Story by Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent, Nathenje
With just fifteen days remaining before voters go to the polls on September 16 to elect councillors, Members of Parliament, and the President, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) shadow councillor in Sanjiko Ward is set to conduct whistle-stop tours.
The tours aim to mobilize people to vote for MCP candidates and increase the party’s chances of winning in the upcoming elections.Question to the Head of State, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera:
Speaking to the Malawi Freedom Network, Hon. Bruno Daka explained that the main objective of the whistle-stop tours is to remind citizens of the importance of voting in a democratic society.
He urged voters to keep their voter registration documents safe, saying, “Do not destroy them. Keep them in a secure place.”
Hon. Daka also noted that during his campaign, he observed that many people were unsure how to cast their votes properly, particularly when selecting candidates at polling stations.
“To address this, I am focusing on civic education as my campaign concludes,” he said. “This is to reduce the high number of null and void votes. I want voters to tick for the MCP councillor, MCP Member of Parliament, and MCP President to ensure victory with massive support.”
When asked whether other organizations are conducting civic education, he acknowledged that while some are, it is also his responsibility to educate voters.
“I have already informed people about what MCP candidates will do if elected, but now I am focusing on practical voting exercises. If they practice, they will remember how to vote correctly,” he added.
In addition to civic education, Hon. Daka will visit other projects in the ward that need attention and prioritization.
The whistle-stop tour is tentatively scheduled to run from September 12 to 13, covering two days. It will visit six zones per day, covering all twelve zones in the ward.
The tour will start at Gumbi, proceed through Katope and Kaphala, and conclude at Chowa FP School, where campaign mega rallies will also be conducted.
All party officials of the MCP will participate in the whistle-stop tours across the twelve zones. “We don’t want to leave any stone unturned,” Hon. Daka said. “We want to win.”
There are four candidates contesting the councillor position from AFORD, MCP, DPP, and two independents. For the parliamentary seat, six candidates are running, including opposition members from DPP, MCP, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, and three independents who were previously affiliated with MCP but failed to secure the party nomination.
The contest for both councillor and Member of Parliament positions is primarily between the ruling MCP and opposition DPP.
Hon. Bruno Daka emphasized that this strategy is part of his effort to engage directly with communities at the grassroots level and ensure that MCP maintains strong voter support.
