By Viciah Nason, MEC Stringer
DEDZA-The Malawi Electoral Commission (ME) has condemned the act of violence practiced by some political party followers saying this malpractice is tarnishing the reputation of Malawi as a country.
Commissioner the Very Reverend Killion Mgawi issued the sentiments on Friday, January 25 in Dedza district during the opening of a day long training of Constituency Returning Officers and Constituency Civic and Voter Education Assistants from Dedza and Ntcheu districts on nomination process.
In his remarks, Commissioner Mgawi said party leaders should pardon their followers and teach them manners as he explained that it is high time Malawi should wake up and start practising clean and peaceful politics.
He then said Malawians should maintain their trust into the body as it has set standards that are expected in the nomination process.
“As MEC, we Are aware of several standards that different parties expect as the Nomination process is underway way. Let me assure the political parties and the citizenry at large that the body has not experienced any challenges so far and we hopeful that the process will run smoothly so that we hold peaceful elections come May 21st, “said Mgawi.
The commissioner however warned the participants that attended the training to refrain from any malpractices that may lead into frustrating the electoral process.
In his remarks Dedza District Commissioner Francis Matewere commended the body for a timely training saying as a District they will work with all parties at anytime including those that are standing as independent candidates.
Matewere urged the officers to show no side when exercising their duties as the trend contributes to different irregularities during elections.
” let me take this opportunity to advise my fellow officers to desist from all forms of misconduct when they are discharging their duties. Every election is a service business and it is therefore the reason why am appealing to officers to take no political side in their line of duty, ” said Matewere.
The training brought together officials from Dedza and Ntcheu districts which among others were the district commissioners, Police, District election officers and others.