By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, March 1, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has appealed to Blantyre-based journalists to utilise their profession by promoting peace and democracy in addition to discouraging handouts, politics of regionalism and tribalism, ahead of September 16 general elections.

NICE Trust, Blantyre District Programme Officer, Glory Maulidi made the appeal on Friday at Limbe Teachers Development Center (TDC) during a meeting with Journalists aimed at sensitizing them on how the Trust operates and the role of the media in promoting democracy and good governance.

Maulidi said the media is crucial in discouraging violence and raising awareness through information dissemination on electoral processes.

She said NICE Trust through Boma Lathu project has lined up a series of activities meant to ensure a peaceful and successful electoral process, adding the Trust is currently focusing on mobilising voters to update their registration details.

“The voter registration process, which took place in three phases from October to December, has been completed.

“Currently, the voter transfer process is underway, also in three phases with the second phase, scheduled for March 5th to 7th covering Blantyre rural and city, we are encouraging all registered voters to update their details” she said.

One of participating journalist, Wisdom Chirombo from the Nation Newspaper said the meeting was crucial as it reminded the media of their role and how it can work with NICE Trust.

"This is a crucial engagement considering that we are going towards a campaign period where people need timely information. As journalists, we are committed to ensure that we give people correct information," he said.