Police in Karonga District have urged political party leaders to avoid inciting violence and stop using the youth as tools to unleash violence.
Karonga Police Station officer-in-charge Kelvin Mulezo said this on Friday during a meeting with political party youth leaders ahead of the September 16 General Election.
He said: “As the country prepares for the general election, as police, we decided to engage political party youth leaders in preparation for a smooth electoral process. We discussed security, political violence and castigation and use of obscene language during campaign.
“We have assured political party leaders of our unbiased services to all parties during campaign to avoid unnecessary tension. However, the onus is on them to run an issue-based campaign.”
Mulezo said they will also meet the chief’s council, political party leaders and key stakeholders to curb pre and post-election violence.
Democratic Progressive Party Karonga district director of youth James Loga said the meeting taught leaders the significance of practising civilised politics.
“We pledge to refrain from violence to ensure the election is credible,” he said.
On his part, Malawi Congress Party Karonga district youth director Lumbani Chilongo echoed Loga’s sentiments.
He said previous elections left an irreparable damage in the district following political violence and demonstrations.
Said Chilongo: “The meeting was fruitful as it reminded us as leaders our responsibility and roles in curbing political violence. We will prevent that by working closely with other parties to avoid clashes of venues which mostly lead to violence.
“Again, we will preach peace and dwell on issue-based campaign.”
