Security agencies have emphasised the importance of people and political parties desisting from violence in the run up to the September 16 General Election.
On Friday, Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Malawi Police Service and Malawi Prison Service officers held a march in Nsanje District to raise awareness against political violence.
Speaking after the parade, Nsanje Police Station officer-in-charge Horace Chabuka said the parade sought to provide information on how security agencies are geared to provide security during and after elections.
He said: “Starting from this time when candidates are collecting nomination papers up to the submission of the same to the Malawi Electoral Commission via district councils, we will be there to provide security.
“We will also do the same during campaign, on the polling day and after the polls.”
“We have three constituencies, namely Nsanje North, Nsanje Lalanje and Nsanje Central which are hotspots for violence.”
MDF Changalume Barracks in Zomba Second Lieutenant Ireen Chikoza said they will continue to provide security to the citizens during this period.
“Peace is crucial for such important exercises as elections and we will uphold that,” she said.
On his part, Nsanje Prison general duty officer Matthews Mtonga said they will also complement police and MDF efforts to ensure that there is security during electoral processes.
“We are not only being mandated to manage inmates but also to provide security since we are part of security institutions. With our friends from the Malawi Police Service and MDF, we will ensure peaceful elections in the district,” he said.
The parade started from the Nsanje World Inland Port site to Khulubvi Highway up to the M1.
The country is set to go to the polls in September to elect President, 229 members of Parliament and over 500 ward councillors.
