Malawi Electoral Commission tips camera operators in readiness of voter registration
Camera Operators for the forthcoming 2014 Tripartite Elections have been urged to be sensitive to religious and cultural beliefs of people in the course of their work.
Speaking during the official opening of the Training for the Camera Operators on Saturday, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner Nancy Tembo, said that the issues should be handled carefully in a sensitive manner, in respect of their religious and cultural rights.
“It was important that they recognise the fact that if their work is done aggressively, it can make the whole process counterproductive since others could shun them,” she observed.
For muslim women, she said, the commission allows them to wear hijab but the face should come clear when capturing the picture for their face.
The Commissioner therefore encouraged muslim women and register while wearing hijabs that can show and allow the face be captured.
While on culture, the public should know that taking pictures from a pregnant woman has no any adverse effect for the unborn baby therefore pregnant mothers can be photographed, she said.
Commissioner Tembo further advised the operators to exercise customer care service since people have to make a choice whether to come for registration or go and do some other activities like watching football.
“We have to give a quality front desk service to the people that come to register so that they encourage their relatives and friends to come and register,” she said.
She also advised the operators to stop a habit of using photographic equipment and materials for their personal use which is unacceptable.
Seriuos measures will be taken against those who would be found engaging in such malpractice, she said.
Malawi will kick-start the voter registration on July 22.
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