A Ukrainian- American political scientist Peter Zalmayev has urged Malawians to embrace peace ahead of the September 16, general elections.

Zalmayev who is on a 40- country tour in Africa and other continents, promoting Ukraine, currently at war with Russia, has warned politicians in the country ahead of the elections not to take peace for granted.

Zalmayev recounts challenges that people have to go through to regain peace having lost thousands of innocent individuals in the political conflict a situation he says should not be replicated to other countries.

"The Russia- Ukraine war is far from over because of differences in political ideology. It is very unfortunate to note continued violence and killing of innocent people in countries where there is political instability," he said.

He believes countries such as Malawi have a lot to learn from such encounters so their leaders do not repeat the same mistakes, especially now that the general elections are just around the corner.

Two local political analysts Dr George Chayima and Victor Chipofya, in separate interviews share the sentiments.

"I agree with the Ukrainian political scientist in the sense that peace is something that we choose to make, it is also something that we choose to break. Where peace does not prevail there is no development," said Dr Chayima.

He then urged political leaders to exercise political maturity during the time by taking responsibility of their actions aimed at preserving peace.

On the other hand Victor Chipofya says "it is important that we put Malawi first as there is no other country we can call home. War occurs when greed and selfishness takes centre stage especially on the party of politicians thereby affecting innocent people."

Malawians go to the polls on 16th September this year to elect president, members of parliament and ward councillors. 

There have been patches of violence in the run up to the polls, which observers say is a cause for concern.