By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has launched the by-elections in three wards in Karonga with a call for close collaboration among stakeholders to ensure peace ahead of the polls scheduled for March 26, 2024.
These by-elections stem from the conviction by the Magistrate Court sitting in Karonga last September of three Councilors Steven Simsokwe of Chilanga and Smart Mwakayila of Rukulu wards in Karonga Northwest Constituency and Ngasalayumo Mwangonde of Kaporo ward in Karonga North Constituency, for offences involving dishonesty.
In an interview at Mwentete TDC during the by-election launch for Kaporo Ward MEC Commissioner Olivia Mchaju Liwewe, highlighted the importance of ward councilors in the local government system, as they serve as representatives of the people at the council.
Further emphasizing the need for these elections to be conducted with the utmost attention and respect similar to other elections.
“My message to aspiring candidates and parties is to focus on issue-based campaigns because the use of inflammatory language stirs violence and infringes the rights of other people to campaign freely,” she said.
Mchaju Liwewe therefore stressed the importance of choosing trustworthy individuals, considering past experiences where elected councilors faced convictions.
On his part, Senior Chief Kilupula echoed the call for a free, fair, and non-violent campaign, emphasizing unity among party followers.
“In every election, there shall only be one winner but that being the fact it is not a reason to fall out with each other as we are one people who all have the development of our communities at heart,” he explained.