The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) has urged faith leaders in Thyolo to use their influence to encourage voter participation and promote political tolerance during the ongoing campaign period.

Thyolo District Programmes Officer for NICE, Moses Kaunda, said it was important not to take for granted the peace that has prevailed since the start of the campaign.

"We have enjoyed peace in the first month of the campaign, and we want this to continue. Faith leaders have a unique role because they have followers who listen to their message. They should encourage people to vote responsibly and in large numbers on September 16," said Kaunda.

He added: “As NICE we are sentizing the electorate on proper ballot marking, electoral laws, peaceful elections and issue-based campaign, including the issuance of handouts’.
Chairperson of the Thyolo Interfaith Committee, Pastor Charles Mawaya, pledged that faith leaders in the district would take up the challenge.

"We are committed to denouncing violence and the giving of handouts during this period. Our aim is to ensure that the election remains peaceful and focused on issues," Mawaya said.

According to Kaunda, NICE is also scheduled to conduct political debates in all nine constituencies of Thyolo starting next week to give voters an opportunity to engage with candidates.