Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has asked candidates for the upcoming October 17 by-elections to observe peace during the campaign period.

The official campaign period for the elections commenced on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 and will end at 6 am on October 15, 2017.

Pockets of political violence have already been registered in Nsanje Lalanje constituency between Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters.

Those battling for the seat in the constituency are DPP’s Glady’s Ganda, Lawrence Sitolo of MCP and Winnie Wakudyanaye who will stand on an Independent ticket.

MEC Public Relations Officer, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, said: “a peaceful campaign process contributes greatly to a peaceful polling process.”

Apart from Nsanje Lalanje constituency, parliamentary elections will take place in Lilongwe City South Constituency and Lilongwe Msozi North Constituency.

The electorate will vote for local government representatives in Msiliza Ward, Mayani North Ward and Ndirande Makata Ward.