Ensure peace, Nice tells candidates in Mangochi

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has advised candidates in Mangochi District to avoid actions that can ignite violence ahead of the by-election scheduled for September 26 2023.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is holding by-elections at Mwasa Ward in Mangochi North East Constituency and Mtiya Ward in Zomba City Central Constituency following the deaths of Edna Yusuf Jose (United Democratic Front) and Ramsey Kajosolo (UTM Party) last year.

Speaking on Wednesday at M’baluku during the tour to mobilise the voters to verify and register their names, Mangochi Nice civic education officer Joseph Chamambala asked the candidates to desist from any acts that can instigate violence.

His advice comes after a heated quarrel between supporters of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UDF on allegations that the MCP candidate, Stewart Mwase, was mobilising underage children to register.

The situation almost stopped MCP secretary general, Eisenhower Mkaka and other party gurus from holding a rally at M’baluku on Sunday after the UDF team ganged up due to the allegations.

But speaking during the mobilisation campaign, Chamambala implored the candidates to conduct themselves in a manner that would avoid violence.

“Ensure peaceful environment during this electoral journey to give voters time to register and verify their names. This will give them an opportunity to vote for you,” he said.

One of the voters, Judith James from Ntagaluka Village in Traditional Authority Chowe, asked the candidates to articulate issues they will do once elected