By George Mponda

Karonga, March 20, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) in Karonga has urged its observers to be impartial and discharge their duties diligently in the upcoming local government by-elections to be held in the district.

NICE's Civic Education Officer for Karonga, Mabvuto Mkandawire, said on Tuesday during a one-day orientation for 19 NICE observers from Karonga in preparation for the by-elections to be held in Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukulu Wards on March 26.

Mkandawire said: "Our aim is to make sure that the by-elections are free and fair and this can only happen if our observers know their roles and obligations which will help them conduct their work according to the electoral laws.

"We emphasize neutrality among our observers. Much as we know that they might have party affiliations, but as they discharge their duties on the polling day, they should be impartial to ensure that we have a credible election."

One of the observers, Lyson Silindu, who is also area civic education coordinator for Wiliro Block, said NICE has drilled them in new electoral laws which will help them ensure the by elections are credible.

"Local government elections are very important, and I will be impartial during this exercise. I would also like to advise my colleagues to do the same and utilize the knowledge that has been imparted to us today in order for us to perform professionally on polling day," said Silindu.

The local government by-elections in Karonga are coming following conviction of three ward councilors who were found guilty of fraudulently pocketing K2.4 million from vendors in exchange for plots.