Amid growing fears of political violence ahead of the September 16 polls, the Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) has challenged leaders of all political parties at the grassroots level to practice and promote tolerance.

IPI Programme Officer Praise Mwenegamba emphasized that leaders should be cautious with statements that have the potential to incite political violence.

He spoke on Friday during an interface attended by the District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST), faith leaders, women's groups, Civil Society Organizations, political party leaders, market leaders, and the Multiparty Liaison Committee (MPLC).

“There is a need to promote peace and unity in Mulanje, which has become a district prone to political violence,” said Mwenegamba.

He explained that the meeting was organized to equip electoral stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to detect, prevent, and manage political violence, and to encourage their followers to live peacefully and harmoniously, realizing that there is life beyond politics.

“I am also appealing to my fellow youths to refrain from being used by politicians to incite violence because the law will deal with the perpetrators accordingly,” said Mwenegamba.

District Commissioner for Mulanje, David Kayiwonanga Gondwe, expressed optimism that the meeting would help reduce the chances of political violence and serve as a reminder to all electoral stakeholders to join efforts in combating the vice.

“The District Elections Supervisory Team is ready to work with all electoral stakeholders in promoting peace throughout the electoral process. Additionally, the Mulanje district council is prepared to provide space for all political parties to hold their rallies, provided they follow all the laid procedures,” said Gondwe.

Deputy Regional Youth Director for the South for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Macdonald Namowa, stated that the workshop would help encourage tolerance, understanding, and respect among all political parties in the constituencies and areas.

“The knowledge gained here will also encourage us to promote inclusiveness in the electoral process and ensure that all marginalized groups, such as women, the youth, and persons with disabilities, participate in the polls,” said Namowa.

A few days ago, violence erupted between supporters of the DPP legislator for Mulanje Limbuli constituency and the DPP shadow MP Godfrey Graciano M’bawa during a whistle-stop tour organized by the party’s Vice President for the South, Joseph Mwanamveka.

One supporter from each camp sustained injuries of varying degrees and were treated as outpatients at a private health facility within the area.

No arrests have been made in connection with the violence so far.