The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has warned that low community interest in the forthcoming Area Development Committee (ADC) and Village Development Committee (VDC) elections may weaken development efforts at the grassroots level.

Thyolo NICE Programmes Officer, Moses Kaunda, issued the warning on Thursday during a sensitisation session with the district’s Community-Based Organisation (CBO) Network ahead of the polls.

Kaunda said the lack of participation puts communities at risk of losing control over projects that are meant to benefit them.

He added, “Active participation is critical because ADCs and VDCs handle billions of kwacha worth of development projects that come through the council.”

He emphasised that meaningful development only happens when communities are informed and involved.

“Only literate, patriotic and committed citizens can properly contribute to and monitor projects,” Kaunda added. “If people do not take part, they can’t later complain about poor service delivery.”

Kaunda therefore urged CBO leaders to strengthen civic education campaigns in their areas, saying the responsibility to drive awareness is shared.

CBO Network Chairperson, Isaac Marston, said the network is prepared to intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure broad participation.

“We will use religious platforms, community meetings and other gatherings to reach as many people as possible,” Marston said.

“It is important that residents elect capable representatives who can champion development and demand accountability.”

He added that communities should not underestimate their influence.

As districts prepare for the elections, both NICE and CBOs hope that greater awareness will translate into higher turnout and stronger community oversight of local development initiatives.