By Hassan Adan
Mandera East MP, Hussien Weytan, has urged young people in the constituency to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying their participation will be key in determining the area’s development path.
Speaking to Frontier Online Media, the legislator called on eligible youth to enlist with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during the ongoing and upcoming voter registration exercises.
He noted that a significant number of young people in Mandera East are yet to register, despite being eligible to take part in elections, warning that failure to do so would lock them out of critical decision-making processes.
“Young people must take responsibility for their future by registering as voters. Without a voter’s card, you cannot participate in choosing leaders who will represent your interests,” he said.
According to IEBC data from the 2022 General Election, Mandera East had slightly over 47,000 registered voters—a figure the MP said should be higher, considering the constituency’s population and the number of eligible youth.
He added that increasing the number of registered voters would strengthen the constituency’s voice and enhance its ability to attract government resources and services.
The MP also challenged young people to spearhead voter education efforts within their communities, particularly targeting those living in remote areas who may not have adequate access to information.
“I urge the youth to go out and educate their peers and communities on the importance of voter registration. Let them understand that participation today will benefit them tomorrow,” he said.
He noted that many residents in remote parts of the constituency often miss registration drives due to a lack of awareness, adding that young people can play a key role in bridging that gap.
The legislator emphasized that electing the right leaders would ensure government services are brought closer to the people and that local development priorities are addressed effectively.
He further described voter registration as a civic duty that goes beyond politics, linking it to improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
As attention gradually turns to the 2027 polls, the MP reiterated his call for the youth of Mandera East to take an active role in shaping their future through the ballot
