- Commit to control supporters
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) aspiring candidates Walter Nyamilandu and James Mwenda have signed a memorandum of understand (MoU) in which they have promised to ensure the association’s upcoming elections are violence free.
The two signed the MoU after a meeting on Friday in Blantyre courtesy of Malawi National Council of Sports.
Sports Council acting executive secretary Henry Mereka said in a statement that the meeting was a success.
There have been clashes between Mwenda, more especially at match venues in the run up to the elections set for December 14 in Mangochi.supporters of Nyamilandu and
“As custodians of sport, Sports Council believes there is no room for violence in sports. Sports should be used to promote peace and unity. It is based on this principle that Sports Council summoned the two candidates to request them to embrace peace for us to have a smooth and violent free election come December 14.
“The two candidates were requested among other things to desist from giving handouts, use of hate speech or foul language. Sports Council also encouraged them to promote peace among their followers and further prepare them for whatever outcome that may result from the election.
“As a matter of emphasis, the meeting came up with a declaration which both candidates have signed committing themselves to control their followers and to refrain from violence. Further, they have committed to fully respect human rights for freedom of campaigning and association before, during and after the elections,” reads in part the statement from Mereka.
Sports Council also invited Malawi Police Service to the meeting.
Both Mwenda and Nyamilandu promised to abide by the MoU.
“The meeting was nice. I must commend Sports Council for calling for the meeting. I prescribe to what Sports Council said. The FAM election is just a process of electing leaders for the association. It’s not about fighting,” Mwenda said in an interview.
Incumbent FAM president Nyamilandu also promised to adhere to the MoU.
“The meeting was very fruitful and a timely intervention. I fully subscribe to peace and violent free elections. I will fully co-operate to the declaration ,” he said.
Other aspiring presidential candidates are former FAM first vice-president Moses Mkandawire, Karonga United chairperson Alufeyo Chipanga and Balawala Vingula.
