By Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu, May 6, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has appealed to traditional and religious leaders to be ambassadors of peace and unity as the country prepares for the September 16 general elections.

Mtalimanja made the call on Monday during a voter verification sensitization meeting with traditional and religious leaders in the area of Senior Chief Champiti in Ntcheu District.

The MEC Chair urged the leaders to encourage their subjects to verify their voter registration particulars when the voter verification and inspection exercise begins.

Mtalimanja also promoted the use of an SMS platform for voter verification, which can be accessed by dialing *2509# and entering the voter registration number starting with "G" or the National Identification number.

She emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability in the country to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.

Senior Chief Champiti pledged his commitment to promoting peace and unity in his area, describing the call as timely.

"We plan to engage with all shadow MPs and Ward Councilors contesting in our area to advise them to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid provocation," he said.

The voter verification and inspection exercise in Ntcheu will take place from May 21 to 23, while the SMS platform will be available from May 5 to September 16.