By Burnett Munthali
Stakeholders are calling for broader reforms beyond civic education to address persistently low voter turnout in by-elections.
The appeal comes as Malawi seeks to strengthen democratic participation ahead of future polls.
On Monday, the National Initiative for Civic Education, NICE Public Trust, said that while recent by-elections were largely peaceful, voter turnout remained worryingly low.
NICE Public Trust Civic Education Programmes Officer Christopher Naphiyo noted that this was despite various civic education campaigns conducted across the country.
“Civic education is not the magic bullet for low voter participation,” Naphiyo told reporters in Blantyre.
He cited the Balaka Mulunguzi Constituency as a key example.
There, voter turnout stood at 46.98 percent in the recent by-election.
This compares sharply to 80.61 percent recorded during the 2025 General Election.
In Lilongwe City Bwaila Constituency, turnout was even lower at 24.28 percent.
Naphiyo said the trend is not new.
He noted that of the 28 by-elections held between 2015 and 2022, only six recorded voter turnout above 50 percent.
According to Naphiyo, the problem runs deeper than a lack of information.
He pointed to disillusionment with political leadership as a major factor.
Unfulfilled campaign promises also continue to erode public trust.
Perceived corruption within government and political parties further fuels public cynicism.
Naphiyo added that many citizens are prioritizing basic needs such as food, health, and jobs over electoral participation.
“People will vote when they believe their vote translates into tangible change,” he said.
To address the challenge, he recommended a shift toward continuous, multi-layered civic education.
He said civic literacy should be integrated into the national curriculum from primary to tertiary education.
Naphiyo also urged greater use of technology and digital platforms to reach more young people.
Malawi has a youthful population, and low engagement among first-time voters is a growing concern.
Political commentator Humphrey Mvula agreed that low turnout in by-elections has historically been common.
“Normally, the turnout in by-elections is very low because voters are more motivated during general elections,” Mvula said.
He explained that general elections allow voters to elect a president, a member of parliament, and a councillor at the same time.
That triple ballot, he argued, gives voters a greater sense of influence.
Mvula urged government to invest more in democracy by adequately funding civic education initiatives.
He also called on political parties, civic organizations, and the media to play their part.
According to him, they must continue providing truthful, balanced, and accessible information to the public.
The debate comes as the Malawi Electoral Commission prepares for upcoming electoral activities.
Analysts say rebuilding confidence in democratic institutions will require more than awareness campaigns.
It will require visible delivery of services and accountability from elected leaders.
For now, stakeholders say Malawi must confront voter apathy with systemic solutions.
Otherwise, the risk is a democracy where fewer voices decide for the many.
