By Linda Kwanjana
Malawi’s Inspector General of Police Merlyne Nachulu Yolamu on Thursday met Directors of youth from 18 political parties in the country.
What it means is that five Political parties were not represented because currently Malawi has 23 registered political parties.
The meeting follows another meeting which the Police Service held with Secretary Generals from from all the registered political parties.
Speaking during the meeting , Yolamu said there is need for peaceful coexistence as the country is maneuvering closer towards the tripartite polls.
“What we want as a security agent, as the one that are at the hub of providing security to Malawians before, during and after elections, is that they should be peaceful engagement all parties, including all stakeholders,” she said.
in this should always have time. If they have differences, they should invite each other, have a dialog, communicate properly with open mind and agree on certain issues that really matter in the electoral cycle. Why this is important is that as Malawians, we are different, different because we belong to different parties, different regions, and we have even different tribes. But what brings us together as Malawians is one thing, that we are all Malawi. We have a stake in this country. Hence, when there are issues to do with Malawi, we should always live aside whatever we know, whatever we have, and come together and demonstrate that we belong to one, Malawi.
According to Madam Yolamu , Directors of youth are very important arm of the parties which controls the youth.
“As youth they have powers to chose the destiny because they are of large numbers,” she said.
She said of late the country has been witnessing pockets of political violence.
Such as undressing of party clothes for other women.
She urged all Directors of youth for political parties to be role models to other political party members.
“Let us tame our speeches because we all belong to one Malawi.As leaders lets desist from hate speeches because what we speak have big effects on our followers,” she said.
Yolamu has since called on DOYs to condemn violence because as leaders themselves they know who are perpetrating these violence.
Speaking during the meeting Centre For Multi party Democracy Programs Manager , Dalitso Magelegele commended the Malawi Police for initiating the meeting.
Magelegele appealed to all political party leaders to encourage tolerance and peaceful coexistence at all levels as the country is matching towards the polls.
UTM Director of youth Penjani Kaluwa and MCP youth representative Vumani Chidzanja Nkhoma hailed Malawi police for the initiative.
