Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), under Chikwawa Diocese, has called for tolerance among electoral stakeholders ahead of the July 2 presidential election.

The remarks were made recently when the religious body met religious leaders and Multiparty Liaison Committee in the district.

CCJP Chikwawa Diocese Secretary, Lewis Msiyadungu, said it is crucial for political players to forge unity and coexistence for the good of credible elections.

“We have a new political calendar as we are gearing up for the fresh poll. Our wish is to see different parties coming together in embracing coexistence. Let us not let our political differences ignite any tension,” Msiyadungu said.

He said his institution had taken on board all concerns that emerged during the nullified May 21 2019 presidential poll and would work out on them through follow-up meetings.

Msiyadungu also asked Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) to critically look at qualifications of some presiding officers since they are a key stakeholder in the election.

“Presiding officers are key in electoral processes and they should be examined thoroughly so that whatever they record at polling centres reflects what the voters have cast. We also call upon police officers to take their job seriously to ensure that only right people are at centres,” he added.

Chikwawa District Pastors’ Fraternal Chairperson, Pastor Wilson Kachanje, also appealed to faith leaders to be non-partisan in their activities.

“Our role as religious leaders is to preach peace and avoid inflammatory language which can push our followers into conflict. We should always be apolitical since we lead people of diverse political views,” Kachanje said.