By Augustus Nkhwazi

Mzuzu, May 31, Mana: Police in the Northern Region have called upon political party directors of youth to promote tolerance ahead of the September 16, 2025 general elections.

Deputy Commissioner of Police for the region, Glinton Mitayi made the call on Friday when he met leaders of nine political parties at the Senior Officers Mess.

"It is possible to conduct political campaigns without violence," he said adding that leaders should strive to promote coexistence with members of different political parties.

Mitayi said the police will ensure that peace exist even during political party campaigns.

He bemoaned use of hate speech among politicians which he said provoke others to resort to violence.

Said Mitayi: "This meeting has been organized to set the pace for us to be engaging and interacting as we approach the elections."

He said political party members should desist from taking the law into their hands saying the law will not spare anyone engaging in acts of violence in the name of political freedom.

Speaking earlier, Regional Community Policing Coordinator, Superintendent Alexander Ngwala said Northern Region has not reported any cases of political violence this far adding that it was important to capitalize on this to foster political tolerance among parties.

He stated political violence is often associated with young people and therefore Youth Directors from all political parties are important to guide their followers on the need to cultivate peaceful political coexistence.

One of the participants who is chairperson for Freedom Party, Frazer Chunga commended police for the engagement saying it has come at the right time.

He said being a member of a political party should not make one an enemy of the other person belonging to another party.

He asked the police to ensure that all political parties are given equal service when need arises.

Nine political parties were represented at the interaction including Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Freedom Party (FP), UTM, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Malawi Congress Party (MCP), United Democratic Front (UDF) and People's Party (PP) just to mention a few.