Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regional organising secretary Suzgo Mwalwanda (North North-NN)and regional director of youth Robert Bundi Katawa(NN) have warned the youth in Lupembe Ward in Karonga Central Constituency against political violence.

They jointly made the plea on Saturday in Lupembe Ward during a political campaign rally aimed at canvassing votes for an MCP candidate Elisha Bwinga.

“If we are to have a credible by-election, youths should desist from inciting political violence to enable candidates to campaign freely,” said Mwalwanda.

Katawa: Empower the youth

Katawa asked political party leaders to invest in the youth to become productive citizens instead of buying them beer to disrupt campaign meetings.

Ironically, MCP Chilanga Ward councillor Steven Simsokwe is campaigning for an Alliance for Democracy (Aford) candidate Kenneth Simsokwe.

In an interview, Simsokwe justified the move, saying during the 2020 Karonga Central Constituency by-election campaign, Aford campaigned for MCP candidate Leonard Mwalwanda.

He said: “If you can recall, the late Cornelius Mwalwanda was an MCP candidate and Aford assisted our party to ensure that Leonard Mwalwanda retains the seat for MCP.

“Now that the late councillor Vincent Kayuni was an Aford member, it is good for MCP to return the favour by supporting the Aford candidate Simsokwe to win.”

But Katawa faulted Simsokwe’s line of thought.

“Simsokwe is on that seat because of MCP.  It is not wise to go against the party,” he said.

In Lupembe Ward, about 10 000 voters are expected to elect a councillor to replace Kayuni who died in December last year.

Malawi Electoral Commission will on August 23 2022 conduct by-elections in Lupembe Ward, in Chitipa Wenya Constituency and Shire Ward in Balaka Central East Constituency.

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