- By Catherine Alumando, Mwanza
With just five days to go before the September 16 General Election, voters are hoping that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will deploy more than enough officers at polling stations to avoid long queues in the face of soaring temperatures.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has already advised people, especially in Chikwawa, Nsanje and other parts of the Shire Highlands to stay hydrated as temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius during the time.
This year’s election will be the first to be held in September, following the nullification of the 2020 polls, which shifted the electoral calendar from the traditional May polling day.
Mathews Daniel, a voter from Mchotseni Village, Senior Group Kanduku, said he plans to arrive at his polling station early to avoid the blazing sun.
“With the new electoral laws stipulating 4pm as closing time, going early will help me beat the heat and still be on time,” said Daniel.
Sunganani Mangochi, from Phuka Village in Ntcheu District, noted that the prevailing weather conditions, might force him to carry an umbrella for shade and water to remain hydrated while waiting to vote.
“I am calling on MEC to ensure that voters are assisted swiftly so that we don’t spend too long in queues,” added Mangochi.
Rhoda Chikhosi, from Eliya Village in Kanduku, stressed that since Malawians are not used to voting in this season, both voters and MEC must strictly follow all election guidelines to beat the sweltering heat.
“Delays could put people at risk of suffocation or other health emergencies due to long exposure to heat,” she warned.
MEC District Officer in Mwanza, Anne Nathaya, has since assured the public that the electoral body has more than enough officers, which will help ensure that people that are attended to swiftly with the electoral processes.
“Our officers will be working in collaboration with monitors to identify vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women and those with sensitive health conditions to be assisted urgently without having to remain in long queues,” said Nathaya.
Commenting on the development, environmental advocate Mathews Malata said that considering 2024 was the hottest year on record and forecasts are predicting even higher temperatures, it is important for MEC to be weather-wise by providing tents for voters, among other precautions that individuals can also take to protect themselves from the heat.
As Malawians prepare to cast their votes, such measures are expected to ease the voting process and ensure that no one is left behind in exercising their democratic right.
