Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) Kasungu district coordinator Hastings Kalima has asked politicians to conduct an issue-based campaign to prevent political violence.
He was speaking on Tuesday during an orientation on the electoral code of conduct which CCJP organised for religious and traditional leaders in the district following the official opening of the campaign period.
The Malawi Electoral Commission on Monday launched the official campaign window which is expected to run for two months up to 6am on September 14.
Kalima said political violence can be prevented if candidates stick to issues and refrain from attacking their competitors on the podium.
Kasungu assistant district elections officer Linda Lungu bemoaned the tendency of block-booking of venues by some political players, saying this is a major trigger of electoral violence.
She asked traditional leaders to exercise impartiality by ensuring that every candidate is accorded an opportunity to campaign.
In their remarks, group village head Gundani from Senior Chief Kaomba and Bishop Felix Nyirenda of Arising World Church hailed the meeting, saying it was an important reminder to stakeholders on the need for a peaceful electoral process.
Malawi goes to polls on September 16 where at least 7 200 095 people are expected to cast their vote to elect councillors, members of Parliament and a president
