Police in Balaka have called upon the people in the district to desist from violence against women, as the country is only few days away from the elections.
Speaking during an anti-violence sensitization campaign rally organized by the police at Balaka Stadium during the weekend, Commissioner of Police responsible for the Eastern Region Arlene Baluwa said there is need to support women and ensure the 50:50 campaign is achieved in the coming May 21 Tripartite Elections (TPE).
Baluwa then assured the female candidates that Police in the district are ready to support and protect every woman and urged them to report any abuse to the police.
She said: “Violence against women is not welcome because it leaves female candidates at a disadvantaged point in as far as politics is concerned.
“As various stakeholders, NGOs and the government are advocating for more women to participate in elected positions, let us also support them rather than subjecting them to physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
“So, we just want to urge all you members of political parties, voters and the youths to refrain from violence because if we receive such reports, we will act upon them.”
Speaking on behalf of chiefs, Traditional Authority (TA) Nsamala said the chiefs in the district are committed to work with the police to ensure the elections are held in a free and peaceful manner.
“We are ready to protect women and make sure female aspirants are not exploited in any other way around in the communities. But not only that, we also want to ensure the elections are held in a peaceful manner without violence of any kind,” said Nsamala.
Among other attendants, chiefs, NICE officials and members of Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC) were present at the rally.
