Malawi Electoral Commissions (MEC) has stressed the need for religious leaders in Zomba to lobby their congregants in exercising their voting rights in the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for March 30.

MEC Commissioner, Linda Kunje made the remarks after meeting the faith community at Nswaswa in Zomba acknowledging the roles played by the group in the forthcoming by-election.

The development follows the low turnout of voters that were registered in the previous by-election, stressing the need for intensified sensitization on the elections.

According to the electoral body, over 26,000 people have registered to cast their ballot in the Zomba-Changalume by-elections scheduled for March 30 where 10 contestants are vying for a parliamentary seat.