The National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICE) in Mulanje has said the political debates the trust organized in conjunction with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) have helped ease the tension that was there in the constituencies among contestants.
Smart Maruwasa who is Mulanje District Advisory Forum Chairperson for NICE said this Tuesday at Ulongwe Teacher Development Centre (TDC) ground IN Mulanje Central constituency where NICE and MEC conducted their last debate.
“Before these debates, there were several reports of violent activities in the constituencies. When we rolled out the debates, little by little the tension was dying out. But so far so good that all the nine debates have been conducted peacefully. I would love if this peacefulness continues until polling,” said Maruwasa.
Although the debates were meant to provide ground for candidates to sell their manifestos, some candidates shunned them and this development worried the organizers.
In his statement, Station Officer for Mulanje Police Isaiah Mulowoka warned followers against instigating violence at rallies saying they will be arrested.
“Sometimes the problem start with you the supporters. Sometimes it is you candidates who cause these violent actions. We have had very successful debates so far and I also wish we will continue with our peaceful campaigns until we go to polls,” he said.
Story by Phillip Banda – MEC Stringer
