Centre for Civil Society Strengthening has urged political party leaders in Mangochi District to maintain the peaceful environment to encourage participation of women in politics.
The organisation’s project officer Olipa Mwanza said this on Monday when they engaged political party leaders from various parties on the new electoral code of conduct that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has introduced.
She said the new electoral code of conduct is addressing problems that affect women such as violence, handouts and hate speeches.
“As leaders, you need to nurture the current peaceful environment in the district to allow more women willing to participate in the election do so without feeling intimidated,” said Mwanza.
She said her organisation wants more women to become ward councillors or parliamentarians.
“You need to take a lead in condemning hate speeches, castigation and anything bad that can incite violence,” said Mwanza.
Mangochi district election officer Rodrick Kazembe asked the party leaders to strictly adhere to the new electoral code of conduct, warning that any violation of the same will attract punishment.
Democratic Progressive Party deputy district secretary Clyton Chindamba pledged to foster a culture of peace and prevent intimidation in the electoral process.
On his part, United Democratic Front Eastern Region governor Kennedy Kumtenga asked organisations that are supporting women aspirants to raise more awareness on the importance of voting for women.
The organisation held the meeting in collaboration with Oxfam in Malawi under Liu la Amai pa Ndale Project implemented in the district with funding from the Embassy of Iceland
