Young people have been urged to avoid being used in perpetrating political violence as Malawi goes to the polls in 2019.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulira said time has come for the youth to practice smart politics that focuses on issues and ideas and not individuals and personalities.

“Smart politics entails that we should be issue based so as we go towards the 2019 elections a lot of things happen,” he said while adding: “My message to my fellow youth is don’t allow to be used to perpetrate violence.”

Mwafulirwa further said time has come for the youth to stand up and take an active role in politics.

“The youth have got a rightful role to play whether in their parties or organizing smart rallies whereby focus is on issues and ideas,” he added.