[{"bbox": [194, 151, 1074, 205], "category": "List-item", "text": "2) To increase participation, in particular of women, youth and disadvantaged groups, in democratic processes and;"}, {"bbox": [194, 206, 941, 232], "category": "List-item", "text": "3) To enhance credibility, transparency and management of electoral processes."}, {"bbox": [156, 243, 1075, 721], "category": "Text", "text": "Under the assumption that Government will continue to follow good governance principles and its path towards civil registry system reforms, the Action will provide technical support to the NRB and wider Government machinery to use and sustainably manage the existing civil registration system and further integrate and adopt the use of National IDs in planning and delivery of efficient public services. It is recognised that, civil registration systems form the basis of continued legitimacy of the National ID, whose importance to fulfilling the right to identity and setting the foundation for democracy, good governance and enforcing a social contract cannot be over-emphasised. On one hand, the ID provides Government with a channel for enhanced delivery of public services, through targeted planning, evidence-based policy formulation and informed decision-making. This is crucial for improved transparency, accountability and cost efficiency in government systems thus ensuring greater citizen's awareness, understanding and acceptance of state actions. On the other hand, the ID is central to building a sense of positive nationalism and pride for Malawians, in-effect, fostering a greater connection and willingness among citizens to partake in national and local affairs and raising demand for improved public policy making and service delivery. The action will among other activities, support Government to ensure the effectiveness of the civil registration process to safeguard the integrity, image and importance of the National ID as an integral part of fulfilling civil and fundamental rights and also facilitate initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness and demand for civil registration and utilisation of the National ID."}, {"bbox": [156, 732, 1075, 1133], "category": "Text", "text": "These efforts shall be complemented by broader work relating to nationwide civic education and increased participation particularly of women, youth and disadvantaged groups. Building on the assumption that civic education will continue to be a key element of the Government strategy toward the promotion of the mind-set change required for the achievement of Malawi long term development objectives as per Malawi 2063 and its implementation plans. Civic education and awareness raising is essential, not only to give meaning and importance of the ID, but on a wider scale to also close the information and knowledge gap that many citizens still possess regarding their fundamental rights and responsibilities. Working through NICE and CSOs, the Action aims to ensure that a National Civic Education framework and related guiding policies are developed and better implemented. Further to this, emphasis will be placed on those activities and topics that strengthen capacities of women, youth and representatives from disadvantaged groups to take active participation in democratic spaces and decision-making. These include topics aimed at voter education and challenging cultural barriers and existing stereotypes that are a hindrance to an all-inclusive political space as well as engagement and dialogue with community and political party leaders to encourage equal participation and opportunities."}, {"bbox": [156, 1143, 1075, 1489], "category": "Text", "text": "Taking cognisance of the fact that women, youth and other marginalised groups have been particularly disadvantaged and systematically excluded with the current state of democracy, the Action will entail a specific CSO component that will focus solely on facilitating involvement of these groups to get into these public activities and take a significant role in decision-making. The Action employs a long-term vision that women and youth can only make significant strides in this sector, by addressing bottlenecks that are prevalent at the grassroots, local level as opposed to smaller gains that can be made with efforts concentrated solely at the national level. The Action will therefore entail among others, activities that challenge stereotypes and norms that enforce the view that women and youth cannot be leaders and should remain on the side-lines. It will also promote dialogue with community and political party leaders and seek ways for policy and legislative change to open platforms for inclusive participation. Women and youth will also benefit from mentorship and capacity building for women and youth to harness their potential to actively pursue active participation and leadership."}, {"bbox": [156, 1500, 1075, 1585], "category": "Text", "text": "Lastly, to build on the work of the other two enablers and on the expectation that Government's commitment toward the implementation of the electoral reform will be sustained, the Action will provide support to MEC to ensure it manages credible, transparent and well-managed electoral"}, {"bbox": [966, 1681, 1082, 1705], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 12 of 26"}]