Traditional Authority Chilikumwendo of Dedza has threatened unspecified action against candidates and supporters who perpetrate political violence in his area in the run up to the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.
The chief sounded the warning at Magomero Primary School in Dedza North West Constituency during a public debate which the National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust organised to give candidates a platform to sell their manifestos as well as allow voters ask questions on various issues.
He said he received a tip off that some candidates were planning to disrupt campaign rallies of their rivals.
“I will not allow any candidate to take this area as his personal backyard. Everyone must campaign freely without experiencing violence from his or her rival,” said Chilikumwendo.
He implored participants to promote peace by desisting from hate speeches during the campaign, polling and after the announcement of the results.
“I urge you, my people, to support issue-based campaign. That is why I am grateful to Nice for organising these debates to hear for ourselves what our candidates have in store for us,” the chief said.
Nice Trust district civic education officer for Dedza, Patrick Siwinda, thanked both contestants and citizens for patronising the debate in large numbers.
He said the debates seek to build trust and entrench a culture of social accountability between the electorate and the elected.
The debate was funded by the European Union (EU) and Germany. n
