Alliance for Democracy (Aford) has emphasised that the party will not waste time with politics of castigation during campaign.
Karonga Town Constituency Aford parliamentary aspirant Catherine Mwafulirwa said this on Friday in the district when she affirmed her candidature on the party’s ticket.
She said: “Aford is a pioneer of democracy in the country. As such, we cannot stoop so low and engage in politics of castigation and issuance of handouts to induce voters.
“Instead, we will focus on issue-based campaign that unites people and talk development. We want to show that we are champions of democracy and now is the time to discuss development issues.”
Mwafulirwa said Karonga as a border district needs development conscious political leaders who can contribute to its development.
On his part, Kaluma North Ward Aford shadow councillor Howard Juma Gondwe, who was also unveiled at the event, said he will intensify irrigation farming to achieve food and income security in the area.
In an interview, Aford Nyika regional chairperson Hastings Mwenifumbo urged the youth to desist from political violence.
“The party leadership is advocating for peaceful campaign to have credible, free and fair elections,” he said.
Political and governance expert Tionge Chile was sceptical about the possibility of running a clean campaign.
“In order to champion democracy and development, parties and their candidates have to dwell on issue-based campaign. However, looking at Malawi political landscape, it is difficult,” he said.
