CSO’s, Political Parties discuss Ways to curb Violence in Elections

Leaders of Civil Society Organisations CSO’s and Directors of Women in major political parties are discussing ways of preventing and curbing violence during elections.

The parties include Malawi Congress MCP, Democratic Progressive DPP, Peoples PP, UTM, United Democratic Front UDF and Alliance for Democracy AFORD

Chairperson of NGO Gender Coordination Network Maggie Kathewera Banda says the current violence against women especially on social media is disheartening.

She urged government to ensure that all acts protecting women against violence are implemented and in operational.

In her remarks, Democratic Progressive Party Director of Women Mary Navicha says it is sad that police is yet to arrest perpetrators of recent violence against women in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

In her speech Minister of Gender, Jean Sendeza condemned acts of violence targeting women in politics.

Sendeza has called for joint efforts to encourage women participation in the fourth coming elections

She pleaded with the women to cooperate and given chance to speak out their views freely

Malawi is expected to conduct general elections to elect new president Members of Parliament and Ward Councilors on 16 September.