By Beni Bamusi

Thyolo, May 17, Mana: Thyolo National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust and Thyolo Police have urged political party’s followers in the district to maintain peace and harmony during 2025 general elections campaign to ensure violent free and credible polls.

The appeal was made on Thursday, during a stakeholder engagement with Thyolo Multi-Party Liaison Committee (MPLC) on a peace building organized by the Trust in the district.

NICE Trust. Programmes Officer for Thyolo and Chiradzulu, Moses Kaunda stressed the importance of peace and harmony in electoral process, saying political parties in the district should refrain from confrontational politics that often lead to burning of party campaign materials and other party properties. 

"Peace is paramount. There is need to ensure that the peace is maintained. Political violence only illustrates immature democracy," said Kaunda, adding that party representatives need to convey to their followers’ the importance of maintaining peace during campaign.

Thyolo Police Officer In-Charge (OC), Francis Chisoti said the engagement with the MPLC was the most effective way to deal with political violence among party members.

 “The meeting has provided room to strategies how the district should handle issues of political chaos if they erupt,” said Chisoti, adding that it was important for leaders of political parties in the district to work together and share strategies that should help in preventing violence during political meetings ahead of the general elections.

“As police, this committee is a security strategy, any problem emanating from the ground regarding disagreements can ably be resolved by the committee.

“We have proposed that party representatives should conduct joint sensitization meetings in trading centers that we are one in principle despite having different political parties,” he said.

He further warned perpetrators of political violence that police will arrest and take them to court, saying crime and disorder in society affect development.

A MPLC member, Charles George said the engagement meeting was relevant and timely, saying it provided a forum that promoted a spirit of coexistence among political parties.

Political party’s representatives, Thyolo MEC officials, CSO representatives among others attended the MPLC engagement meeting.