Vuwa urges DPP supporters to refrain from violence in Mzimba bye-elections
Former ruling party, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has asked its party zealots to desist from violence during bye-elections slated for October 9, 2012 in Mzimba.
The party’s national director of logistics Symon Vuwa Kaunda said supporters should exercise tolerance and co-existence, saying this would enhance togetherness and development of the nation.
“I appeal to our supporters to observe tolerance and co-existence during bye-elections in the two constituencies for the betterment of this country. Violence shouldn’t form part of the campaign during this period,” Kaunda, former Information Minister during Mutharika’s regime, said.
This comes against the background of some violence reports that happened during public debate which was organized by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
Kaunda hinted that differences in political ideologies should not divide Malawians. He said foul languages shouldn’t take centre stage in their campaign, adding that insults and other foul languages instigate violence which must be avoided at all cost.
“Our differences in political ideologies shouldn’t be an excuse for instigating violence during this period. There is need for all parties to avoid foul languages that can stir violence,” he added.
Mzimba will hold bye-elections on October 9, 2012 in Mzimba Central and South West constituencies. The two constituencies fell vacant following the death of Prof. Donton Mkandawire and ascendancy to the Vice Presidency of Khumbo Kachali respectively.
Campaign in both constituencies started last month is expected to stop on October 7, 2012. Meanwhile, the Malawi Electoral Commission on Monday, October 1, 2012 started printing ballot papers for the by-elections.
In a media statement , the Commission said the printing exercise is expected to take about five days and is being done at the Commission’s head office in Blantyre hence urging all contesting candidates and political parties to have representatives to observe the process as one way of guaranteeing transparency.
According to the statement, this is not the first time the Commission has printed ballot papers in-house as it also did the same during previous by-elections.
