The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says the acts of political violence that happened over the past weeks in the country are tarnishing the reputation of Malawi.
MEC Commissioner the Very Reverend Killion Mgawi issued the sentiments on 25th January in Dedza district during the opening of a daylong training of Constituency Returning Officers and Constituency Civic and Voter Education Assistants from Dedza and Ntcheu districts on nomination process.
In his remarks, Commissioner Mgawi said party leaders should pardon their followers and teach them manners.
He added that it is high time Malawi woke up and started practising clean and peaceful politics.
Mgawi then urged Malawians to maintain their trust in the body as it has set standards that are expected in the nomination process.
“As MEC, we are aware of several standards that different parties as the nomination process is underway way. Let me assure the political parties and the citizenry at large that the body has not experienced any challenges so far and we hopeful that the process will run smoothly so that we hold peaceful elections come May 21st, “said Mgawi.
The commissioner however warned the participants that attended the training to refrain from any malpractices that may lead into frustrating the electoral process.
In his remarks, Dedza District Commissioner Francis Matewere commended the body for a timely training saying as a district they will work with all parties at any time including those that are standing as independent candidates.
Matewere urged the officers to show no side when exercising their duties as the trend contributes to different irregularities during elections.
“Let me take this opportunity to advise my fellow officers to desist from all forms of misconduct when they are discharging their duties. Every election is a service business and it is therefore the reason why am appealing to officers to take no political side in their line of duty,” said Matewere.
The training brought together officials from Dedza and Ntcheu districts including district commissioners, Police and District election.
