The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has appealed to aspiring candidates for the upcoming 16 September general elections to focus on development-centred and issue-based campaign to achieve a free and fair election.
Programs Officer for NICE in Zomba District, Kondwani Neba, made the call during a political debate involving aspiring candidates for the parliamentary seat in the Zomba-Malosa Constituency.
Neba expressed satisfaction with the debate, stating that he is confident the mutual respect shown among the candidates will continue through to election day.
“This is an opportunity for people to engage with their candidates and appreciate that even if they are supporting different political parties, they can peacefully coexist. We are in a multiparty democracy and this is an age where candidates must compete on issues,” said Neba.
Group Village Headman Ntwiche advised community members to avoid being used by politicians to incite violence.
He emphasised that he will ensure that everyone is given an equal opportunity to hold campaign rallies in the area so that people can make informed decisions when choosing responsible leaders.
“All the aspiring candidates have an equal opportunity to sell their manifestos in this area regardless of their political affiliation. Community members should not allow to be used by political leaders to incite violence. I will ensure that all perpetrators of violence are prosecuted in line with the electoral laws,” said Ntwiche.
Participants of the debate included Mwai Sulaimana of the Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party, Dr. Chikondi Lisimba Mpokosa of the National Development Party (NDP), Grace Kwelepeta of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Mince Katinji of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), and Faith Malenga of UTM.
