Mia says OK after rumours he has been shot: ‘MCP wants ballot victory not violence’

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) member Sidik Mia has dismissed claims that he has been shot by thugs, saying he is fit and well and wrapped up campaign on a sound note for Tuesday’s by-elections for Nsanje-Lalanje Constituency.

Rumours spread in Lower Shire that Mia was shot as is badly injured.

But Mia said he is “home and dry”, saying the rumours were in bad faith spread by political detractors.

Mia said MCP officials have been tipped that ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) plan to unleash violence so that they can confuse the electorate on Tuesday’s polls un Nsanje Lalanje.

Mia has been behind the campaign of MCP ‘Scandidate Lawrence Sitolo.

Speaking at Sorgin on Saturday when he wrapped up the campaign, the MCP Shire Valley political heavyweight said DPP’s continued attack on him was a testimony of their nervousness.

Mia said the MCP aspiring candidate in the by-elections was Sitolo, but it was surprising that the DPP politburo was up in arms against him.

“They are busy provoking us, but we will not retaliate,” said Mia considered the most powerful politician in the Shire Valley, after the death of Gwanda Chakuamba.

Campaign in Nsanje-Lalanje Constituency has been characterised by skirmishes perpetrated by youths suspected to be followers of the governing DPP and main opposition MCP.

Aspirants for the constituency’s parliamentary seat are Ganda (DPP), Sitolo (MCP) and independent candidate, Winnie Wakudyanaye.

About 25 958 people are expected to cast their votes in the constituency’s by-election. The seat fell vacant following the death of Sam Ganda.

Other by-elections will take place in two constituencies and a ward in Lilongwe, and in a ward in Blantyre and Dedza.