By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, March 25, Mana: Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) in Rumphi has trained 15 National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) volunteers to identify, prevent and respond to violence against women during elections.

The training was conducted on Monday under European Union (EU) funded Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project.

NICE Programmes Officer for Rumphi, Albert Mtonga, said the training had enhanced the capacity of their volunteers in ensuring that elections are held in an environment that embraces the interests of all groups including women, youths and persons with disabilities.

He added that their volunteers will take advantage of different gatherings to promote peace and ensure women, youths and persons with disabilities are elected to various positions in the upcoming general election.

One of the participants, Chakufwa Chihana, said the training had equipped him with skills and knowledge which will enable him perform his duties better for the benefit of all groups.

An officer from Rumphi Police, Dales Geoffrey, said police is ready to protect all groups during the electoral processes, including during campaign period, voting and announcement of results.

The country will hold the general elections on September 16 this year to elect state president, Members of Parliament and councilors.