NICE foils MCP to campaign in Mzuzu Prison
Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) Mzuzu city member of parliament aspirant’s bid to campaign in a restricted Mzuzu prison was on Friday foiled after the National Institute for Civic Education(NICE) rejected to partner him.
NICE’S Mzuzu city district Civic Education officer Wallace Kudzala alongside his advisor Anne Sichinga had a programme to conduct voter civic education to Mzuzu inmates ahead of the Malawi May 20 Tripartite Elections so that the inmates make an informed decision to the choice of responsible leaders for the development of the country.
But when MCP’s Bernard Mtawali who came with aspiring Chibanja ward councilor Robert Kadali Mkandawire realized it will not work because the prison’s Station officer Superintendent Prince Wasili had earlier thrown out his request, he pleaded with Kudzala to secretly let him in, but was denied.
Kudzala who instead partnered with gospel musician Dyghton Mbewe disclosed this in an interview that he was approached by Mtawali to assist him enter the prison to campaign but he rebuffed him.
“I realized that I would be in conflict with the law if I accept because Malawi statutes do not allow politicians to campaign in the prisons for matters of security,” Kudzala said.
Musician Mbewe also confirmed he was approached by Mtawali to secretly let him in as band member but he refused.
In a telephone interview Mtawali confirmed he made a bid to the prison officer, Nice official to campaign in the prison but said when was told it was unlawful, he respected the decision and left for home.
“I am new in politics so I asked the prison officer if it was possible but he said no,” he said.
Mtawali is son to the late Bernard Mtawali who once served as Minister in various portfolios when late President Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda ruled in the 80s.
