Nice wants peaceful by-election in Karonga
National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has urged political parties in Lupembe Ward in Karonga Central Constituency to refrain from violence during campaign ahead of the by-election scheduled for August 23 2022.
Nice Karonga district civic education officer Moses Kaunda made the call on Tuesday at Lughali in Paramount Chief Kyungu’s area during a multiparty liaison committee meeting with electoral stakeholders on the importance of issue-based campaign.
He said: “Politics aside, we are all Malawians. Therefore, it is imperative for political party leaders to promote issue-based campaign by avoiding the use of foul language during campaign.
“We should know that Malawi comes first and politics should come last. We need to promote coexistence for democracy to win.”
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Karonga district elections clerk Elias Nyirenda warned political party leaders against giving voters handouts, saying the Political Parties Act will catch up with them.
“Let us avoid dishing out money and materials to induce voters as it is against the law. Besides, the tendency may lead to electing wrong people,” he said.
Group village head Mwangolera commended Nice for bringing together party representatives to promote coexistence.
“The meeting has come at the right time when candidates and their supporters are holding rallies in the area. I appeal to party supporters to refrain from violence,” she said.
MEC will on August 23 hold by-elections in the area following the death of Vincent Kayuni in December last year.
Four candidates, namely Elisha Bwinga of Malawi Congress Party, Innocent Kalesi Gondwe of Democratic Pogressive Party, Atusaye Mwenifumbo of UTM Party and Ken Simsokwe of Alliance for Democracy will contest in the by-election.
According to MEC, 7 973 registered voters are expected to cast their votes in 10 polling centres.
On the same day, MEC will also conduct by-elections in Wenya Ward in Chitipa Wenya Constituency and Shire Ward in Balaka Central East Constituency.
