By Alinafe Kamphika

Neno, June 11, Mana: Aspiring legislator for Neno East, Luke Chimwanza, has called on fellow aspirants to desist from hate speech and they should focus on issue-based campaign ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.

Chimwanza made the remarks during a briefing on electoral process organised by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at the Neno District Health Office conference room on Wednesday.

 “Every aspirant should take the lead in encouraging supporters to maintain peace during the campaign period. Let us prioritise unity and let us avoid speech that can incite division,” he added and further advised political parties and candidates to inform relevant authorities in advance about their planned rallies to avoid clashes over venues.

Neno Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent, Madalitso Chikwatu, said there was a need for the aspirants and their supporters to abide by electoral laws and best practices are in line with democracy to ensure violence-free electoral process.

“Neno is known for peace. Let us maintain that by not letting politics divide us. Supporters listen to their leaders, so please remind them not to confront or stone police officers who are only there to ensure peace and order,” the Officer In Charge added.

Neno District Elections Officer, Nodi Mwale, explained the nomination fees for aspiring candidates, with male parliamentary aspirants required to pay K2.5 million, while women, youth, and persons with disabilities are expected to pay K1,250,000.

Men vying for Local Government Election are expected to pay K200,000 while women, youths and people with disabilities ready to also contest in the local government polls are expected to pay K100,000.

During the meeting, aspiring parliamentarians, ward councillors and other stakeholders agreed on important guidelines to follow to advance peace and unity to prevent violence in the electoral process.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to avoid hate speech, obtaining clearance letters from the District Commissioner for each campaign rally to avoid confrontation at campaign venues.

Apart from the aspiring contestants, key district-level stakeholders such as District Election Supervisory Team also attended the MEC-organised briefing session at Mwanza DHO.