By Brighton Tchongwe

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) says peaceful co-existence is an important democratic value that can enhance peaceful and credible elections in the country.

Speaking in an interview, NICE Programs Officer responsible for Lilongwe Daniel Malango explained that people need to understand that elections cannot be held in an environment where people fail to peacefully co-exist.

“As the country is heading towards the general elections, it appears some people don’t want to peacefully co-exist with others due to different political affiliations,” explained Malango.

Malango has highlighted that in a democratic society every person has right to belong to a political party of his choice and also vote for a candidate of his choice and this must be respected by all.

According to Malango some voters may refrain from voting because of possible harassment from people who know the possible candidate they would vote for.

“As an organization that promote democracy in the country, Nice want to see people upholding all values of democracy that include peaceful co-existence,’ he added.

On peaceful demonstration, Malango stated that people have a right to express their views through peaceful demonstrations without any impediments but the demonstrators must also be resecting the rights of others when demonstrating.

Malango further urged political leaders to be in the forefront of promoting peace by avoiding hate speech as well as inciting violence.