He cautioned that while such campaigns may generate public attention, they do not necessarily translate into higher voter turnout.
Manduku argued that the key issue is not the number of newly registered voters but whether they will actually participate in the electoral process on voting day.
He pointed out that a significant portion of eligible voters, particularly young people, failed to cast their ballots in the previous general election.
“In every election cycle, there are new voters. More than 30 per cent of youths didn’t vote in the last election, and it is the same statistics that may be replicated across the country in 2027.
Let’s not get excited about ‘Niko Kadi’ and others; they are good initiatives, but what matters is who will actually turn out to vote on election day and what the incentive will be,” Manduku said.
He maintained that voter apathy remains a persistent challenge, and unless it is addressed, registration campaigns alone will have limited impact on the outcome of elections.
According to him, the focus should shift toward understanding the factors that discourage citizens, especially young voters, from participating in the democratic process.
Manduku also commented on remarks made during the discussion by Peter Mbae, who was part of the roundtable forum.
He suggested that Mbae should not assume that the new slogan or campaign would significantly alter voting patterns.
The MP’s remarks come amid heightened efforts by various stakeholders to encourage voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The “Niko Kadi” campaign has gained traction, particularly among young people, as part of broader civic engagement initiatives aimed at increasing participation in elections.
However, Manduku’s position highlights an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of such campaigns.
While proponents argue that increased registration is a critical first step toward inclusive elections, critics contend that it must be accompanied by sustained civic education and measures to address voter disengagement.