BY WATIPASO MZUNGU JNR
People in Machinga have been asked to refrain from political violence as Malawi is preparing for the November 2010 local government elections.
Pan African Civic Education Network (Pacenet) executive director Steve Duwa made the call at Ntaja on Tuesday when he officially opened an orientation workshop for civic and voter educators.
“Please, make this election free from violence. I am saying this because we know the history of Machinga in as far as politics is concerned. You always fight during campaign periods,” said Duwa.
The Pacenet boss further asked people there to actively take part in the impending elections saying “if you don’t vote, you’re denying yourselves a right to development”.
“Councillors are the ones entrusted with responsibility to initiate development. Don’t blame MPs for lack of development in an area. It’s not their role, but councillors. That’s why I am urging you to take part in this election. Let us vote for people of substance; people who will bring development to your areas,” Duwa explained.
He also called upon people to vote for more women during the November 23 local government elections for Malawi to achieve the 50-50 women representation in positions of authority.
“Pacenet believes that it’s time to empower women by giving them a chance to take part in public life and assume positions of leadership in the society.
“But when we say ‘vote for women’, it doesn’t mean any woman. Choose women of substance; women who will bring a difference in your areas,” Duwa emphasized.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) district governor Kambalame Chikwatu said his party was ready to field more women than men in the local government elections.
“DPP is prepared to field as many women as possible in this election. As a party, we’re ready to give them maximum support so that their dream is realized,” said Chikwatu.
On political bickering, both the DPP and UDF district governors pledged their party will not engage in election violence.
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