Young people, including political science students, have been urged to seek accurate information from trusted and official sources as the country prepares for the upcoming elections.
Speaking during an engagement at the Catholic University, Southern Region Elections Manager Mr. Jeff Kabondo stressed that misinformation and fake news pose a serious threat to the smooth conduct of elections. He encouraged the youth to depend on credible institutions such as the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for verified election-related updates.
“The spread of fake news can disrupt electoral processes and mislead voters,” Kabondo said, cautioning students against relying on unverified social media posts.
The event, organized by the Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) in collaboration with other election-focused organizations, aimed at motivating university students to participate actively in the elections by voting responsibly.
IPI Executive Director Mr. Nandin Patel emphasized that youth participation is critical to shaping the nation’s future. “When you choose not to vote, you’re allowing someone you may not support to make decisions for you,” he said. Patel also urged students to avoid being used by politicians to engage in violence or unlawful political activities.
In addition, media expert Ms. Sellina Kainja encouraged journalists to ensure that their coverage reaches all communities with accurate and balanced information, saying the media has a responsibility to combat misinformation and build trust.
The awareness drive is part of ongoing efforts to promote peaceful, inclusive, and well-informed elections across Malawi.
