CDM Executive Director, Kizito Tenthani, told Zodiak on Saturday that politicians have to learn to promote tolerance by sticking to issue based campaign.

Tenthani said is saddened by reports of removing one another's party flags and hate speeches during the campaign in some constituencies.

"With the presence of Political Parties Act, it is a crime to uproot or pull-down other parties’ flags.

"We urge all politicians to do issue-based campaign," emphasized Tenthani.

Tenthani's sentiments come when unlike in other constituencies like Karonga North West and Ntchisi North where the political temperature is normal, political intolerance and castigation have heightened in Chikwawa East and Nsanje Central constituencies.

UDF aspirant in Chikwawa East constituency Rodrick Khumbanyiwa claims that his flags were pulled down by his opponents at Maperera and Phimbi trading centres.

He said he immediately reported the matter to the district commissioner for action.

"I urge my opponents to avoid inciting violence. Let us campaign freely so that people should choose a person of their choice," said Khumbanyiwa.

Reports also indicate that political castigation has heightened in Nsanje Central between followers of Malawi Congress Party, MCP aspirant Kafa Mandevana and DPP’s torch bearer Francis Kasaila.

The parliamentary and local government by-elections are expected to take place in Nsanje Central Constituency, Nsanje North, Chikwawa East Constituency, Mulanje Chitakale Ward, Zomba Changalume Constituency, Lilongwe Msinja South, Ntchisi North and Karonga North West on 30 March.