‘Ensure violence-free by-elections’

Mangochi District Peace and Unity Committee executive member Frank Bamusi has asked political party leaders in Mwansa Ward in Mangochi North East Constituency to ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the rescheduled by-elections on November 16 2023.

He said this on Tuesday at St. Augustine II Primary School in Mbaluku during a meeting with political party leaders and supporters.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) suspended the September 26 2023 by-election in the area following allegations that some candidates were mobilising underage children to register to vote for them.

The community in the area asked MEC to postpone the election until the allegations were investigated.

In his speech, Bamusi asked political party leaders to promote peaceful co-existence.

“You are gatekeepers of peace in your parties; hence, you need to uphold peace as the electoral body is implementing its activities ahead of the by-election,” he said.

Bamusi said a peaceful environment will ensure free, fair and credible elections.

Mangochi district civic education officer Joseph Chamambala also echoed the need for party leaders to promote peace.

“Use your influence to promote peace and don’t allow candidates to castigate other contenders during campaign,” he said.

MEC commissioner Anthony Mukumbwa expressed delight with the bold step taken by electoral stakeholders to ensure peace in the area.

“Peace is critical as it will ensure violence-free elections,” he said.

On his part, UTM Party district governor Steven Shabani said they understood the calls for peace.

“But we want all processes leading to the elections conducted in a transparent manner,” he said.

Meanwhile, MEC has launched fresh registration and verification of voters to replace the one said to be marred by irregularities.

The exercise runs from October 2 to 8 2023.