MCP, DPP ‘joint committee’ discusses post-election agenda
As Malawi hold tripartite elections, opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have come up with a “common agenda” for post elections outcome, if information Nyasa Times has received is anything to go by.
The two opposition political parties, hitherto bitter enemies, are said to have been discussing a ‘common agenda’ in the past week, which is how to deal with a scenario where the incumbent Head of State, Joyce Banda and her governing People’s Party (PP) retain power on Tuesday.
“MCP and DPP officials recently met to discuss the possibility of ‘organizing’ post-election demonstrations which will ultimately turn violent. They have formed a joint steering committee for the ‘cause’,” said a source privy to the meeting.
The source said a series of meetings with the recent one taking place on Sunday at a roadside entertainment centre, Tay-Taz in the capital City, Lilongwe, have agreed that a systematic disinformation campaign be carried out where the core message will be “intended rigging of elections by President Banda and her PP”.
“The idea is to create a ‘conducive’ environment for post-election violence. It is to deliberately create tension among voters by suggesting the ruling party wants to win through fraudulent means so that the losing camps can stage violent protests,” he said, preferring anonymity for fear of reprisals.
According to the source, among other notable names that have attended these meetings are MCP officials Jessie Kabwila and Thandi Nkovole while the DPP has been represented by National Organizing Secretary, Chimwemwe Mazabuka Chipungu, Bright Malopa, Brian Bowler, Secretary General, Jean Kalirani and former Inspector General of Police, Peter Mukhito.
However, Malopa has not attended the most recent ‘joint meetings’ owing to his leaving the country after rumours were rife police were searching for him for undisclosed reasons.
“It is becoming clearer by the day that President Banda may trounce the other three strong presidential candidates and the DPP and MCP are now expending all their energy towards turning Malawians against the electoral process. The parties want Malawians to get angry when Banda is announced as the winner so they could join their violent demonstrations,” said the source.
Recently, DPP officials are reported to have tracked a vehicle that they believed had carried ballot papers only to find out it was transporting Likuni Phala.
Post-election violence in Malawi and other parts of the world has in the past proved to be fatal.
In the aftermath of the 2004 elections in Malawi, 10-year-old Epiphania Bonjesi and five other people died when police used live ammunition to quell rioting following announcement of election results.
In 2007, ethnically aligned gangs took the lives of more than 1,100 people during weeks of violent unrest following disputed elections in Kenya. Later, several politicians were suspected to have planned and financed the post-election violence.
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