Nice, Police sign MoU on security during elections

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the police in the Northern Region to strengthen security during and after the forthcoming tripartite elections.

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Mzuzu on Wednesday, Nice regional civic education officer (North) Vincent Kalawa said the MoU is a continuation of the relationship that has existed between the two institutions since last elections.

“The Malawi Police Service is much committed to public peace. We have seen the great work they are doing in victim support and community policing. That is why we have partnered with them to sensitise communities to know that they have the right and responsibility to bring about peace in communities even in the absence of police officers,” he said.

Kalawa said they will among other activities, hold joint sensitisation meetings which will target the youth and hot spots that are prone to violence.

“We will also be interacting with the most vulnerable people, more especially women and people with disabilities,” he said.

Commissioner of police for the Northern Region Effie Kaitano said the MoU is in line with the Police Act (2010) which mandates the officers to provide safety and security to all people and protect their lives and property.

Kaitano said the support from Nice will strengthen community policing structures to ensure that there is peace before, during and after the elections.

“We also appeal to members of the public to make sure that they have a spirit of tolerance whenever they are conducting their campaigns and when there are misunderstandings between political parties or communities to avoid violence,” Kaitano said.