Malawi youths encouraged to contest in 2014 polls
Youth in Malawi have been encouraged to take a bold step by contesting in various political positions in the 2014 tripartite elections.
Speaking during Young Politician Union workshop which involved the youths from northern districts of Chitipa, Karonga and Rumphi, Northern Regional Civic Education Officer Enock Chinkhuntha said the youths have the ability to end violence that often occur in different parties during election time.
“If you can only be courageous enough to present your issues to your political readers and contest in political positions, you can help in averting political criminology which is taking centre stage in various parties and bring new Malawi with new leadership,” said Chinkhuntha
He added that young politicians should be in the fore front condemning bad decisions made by political leaders in their respective political parties.
“As young politicians you should not just talk democracy but you should also take the challenge of giving advice to your parties on some decisions if something is not going on well,” Chinkhuntha said.
Board chair of Young Politicians Union Moiré Walita said the youths have that desire to stand but “money is a drawback as the youths are not spared with the economic hardship facing the county.
“It is really true that we have that ability to change politics in Malawi because we have vision on how to develop our country but money is problem because of a syndrome giving something one’s the supporters,” he said.
One of the young politicians who have shown an interest to stand as a councillors Master Kasunga said the workshop has taught him ideas to use during campaign period.
“I have learnt how I can manage political violence in my ward and that to stand as a councillor or a member of parliament is not about having more money as we are thinking, now I have courage to convince my people on how I will lead them,” said Kasunga.
Young politicians Union started in 2001 to promote inter-party dialogue, unity and diversity among different political parties for peaceful elections.
