By George Mponda
Karonga, May 16, Mana: Karonga Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Kelvin Mulezo, has urged political party youth leaders in the district to help prevent political violence in a move to foster peace and unity ahead of the September 16, 2025 general elections.
Mulezo said this on Friday at Karonga Police Station during an engagement meeting with youth leaders from various political parties in the district.
He said police is a neutral institution committed to maintaining law and order.
"I would like to appeal to youth leaders to be ambassadors of peace in their respective parties and to discourage confrontational rhetoric and violence. You are the bridge between your party leaders and the community. If you preach peace, your followers will do the same,” Mulezo said.
He said there are legal consequences of inciting violence, destruction of property, and intimidation of political opponents hence the need to stay away from such issues.
"Police will not tolerate any actions that threaten public safety, regardless of the political affiliation of the perpetrators. The law will be applied fairly and without fear or favour,” he warned.
Representatives from the political parties welcomed the dialogue and praised the police for initiating the conversation.
Youth Coordinator for Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu (OZAM), Simeon Sukumbawa, said such engagements help build trust between law enforcers and communities.
“It is important that we see the police not as enemies, but as partners in development and democracy. However, we have seen selective justice in past incidents, where certain individuals were not held accountable due to political connections, and this should stop," Sukumbawa said.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Youth Coordinator for Karonga, Limbani Chilongo, said their party is dedicated to maintaining peace during and after elections.
"Youth involvement in election violence can lead to harm, injury, or even loss of life and as a party, we always make sure we are promoting peace in order to help prevent such incidents in Karonga," Chilongo said.
The meeting brought together representatives from various political parties, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD).
