Chiefs against politics of castigation
Politicians must desist from using inflammatory language during the whole electoral period or face expulsion, traditional leaders in the country have said.
Phalombe chiefs issued the warning at a consultative forum the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Public Trust held at Nazombe Primary School on Wednesday.
The meeting was aimed at devising mechanisms for achieving violence-free elections in the district ahead of the May 20 Tripartite Elections.
Group Village Head (GVH) Phodogoma observed that it is possible for Malawi to conduct violence-free elections if all aspiring candidates commit to refrain from castigating their opponents during campaign.
Phodogoma noted that politicians who turn to inflammatory remarks have nothing to offer the electorate.
Village Head Lolo warned that she would be tempted to close her door on politicians who use inflammatory language to save his people from possible chaos and bloodshed.
“I just hope our candidates will take the issue-based campaign Nice Trust is advocating seriously. Otherwise, I won’t allow politically-motivated violence in my area,” emphasised Lolo.
Phalombe district civic education officer (DCEO), James Chimpeni, said as campaign period draws closer, his organisation is sensitising politicians about the need to desist from inflammatory language through structures such as Multiparty Liaison Committee (MLC), individual parties, accredited organisations, traditional and faith leaders.
Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of Rumphi asked all political parties to regularly remind their officials that Malawians want an issue-based campaign.
Said Chikulamayembe: “Once the political campaign starts, political parties should put deliberate mechanisms to monitor their officials conduct during rallies.”
Chikulamayembe said many politicians need to be regularly reminded that political campaign is not about violence but presentation of party’s policies to people.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Chikho of Ntchisi called on political parties to avoid vandalizing other party’s materials.
“During the campaign period, some political parties mobilise their youthful followers to uproot other parties’ flags. This should not happen because it can cause trouble,” said Chikho.
T/A Nankumba of Mangochi urged his fellow chiefs to treat politicians from all political parties equally.
