UDF makes stinging attack on DPP over political violence
United Democratic Front (UDF) has made a stinging attack on its political bedmate, the ruling party, accusing it of using the UDF supporters in political violence clandestine operations.
UDF vice president for the eastern region Lilian Patel flanked by other senior party members from the region warned she would reveal more if the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which she did not name directly, did not stop the political violence.
“We therefore condemn anybody who perpetrate violence in the guise of our party supporter,’’ said Patel.
Patel said the party image was dented because the political terrorists were using some of its boys to attack people, giving an example in Mangochi where the roughnecks undressed a woman just because she put on United Transformation Movement (UTM) regalia.
One of the boys who attacked Veronica Katanga has been identified as a ‘bouncer’ who has been providing security to both UDF and DPP rallies.
“This is not the Malawi the UDF fought for in 1992 and 1993 up to 1994. The party feels there is systematic propaganda to tarnish the image of the UDF. The party will expose the perpetrators of the political violence,” said Patel.
She warned that all its members used by the DPP in perpetrating political violence would be expelled from the party after thorough investigations that the party has launched are over.
“The UDF under Dr Bakili Muluzi joined forces with Alliance for Democracy (AFORD)’s Chakufwa Chihana to fight for multi-party democracy, how can we then turn around fight to mete violence on other parties, where is the pluralism then?’’ she asked.
Patel also gave examples of instanceswhere the UDF held its rallies within walking distance with venues where the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was also meeting its followers without incidence of violence.
‘’ Malawi has changed; you cannot win an election while abusing the rights of the same electorates you expect to vote for you. We are therefore going to expel from the party anybody found engaged in these acts. We are also asking for continued sensitisation of women and the general citizenry on where to reports acts of human rights violation, including politically motivated crimes,’’ she summarised.
Earlier, Aisha Mambo, who is secretary for Women Caucus in parliament, said she is dismayed that men who come from an area whose main faith teaches women to cover themselves thoroughly could ignore this and undress a woman in public.
‘’Islam teaches women to cover almost all their bodies, how can one then violate this teaching in the name of politics? We will ask the wrath of God to fall on these perpetrators,’’ she warned. She also called on women to stand up for their rights and never cower in the face of law breakers.
This is the first time that the UDF has openly attacked the DPP, a show that the political relationship between the two parties is strenuous and might be over.
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Mpake kukuchokela ma recruit a Al Shabab
Kudos to Lilian.Very strong words indeed.
Hmmm something has caught my attention on this article. Mr Chilangola Khuyu, whatever your shit name is. If honorable Patel did not mention DPP in her statement, how did you come up with a conclusion that it was DPP she was giving your so-called a stinging attack to? Now would you say people are wrong to say that it’s you nyasatimes and other media houses like TIMES with its stupid editor in chief Mr Kasakula who have personal attacks and hate on DPP? Like i said and i’m going to say it again. Please journalists, stop this kinda of reporting,… Read more »
A Patel mwaiwala kale za ma young democrats kuti anazuza anthu mini?
Udf + dpp = el shebbab kale !!
hahahahahahahahaha
Imagine, some senior people sat down at state house and came up with a strategy to beat up other party supporters? Koma mitu ikugwila ku DPP? Is that really a winning strategy?
I was there when UDF was in power and I dont agree with what the party says now. The party was also known for its vicious political thugs, Take Masho, the Duke in Lilongwe and Zimba in Kasungu and many more who were above the laws. In Bt there was Chiomba nkhanga who could bit political opponents at police stations. Ask Dr. Ntaba when he was nearly killed by UDF cadets on his way to a political meeting with Gwanda Nguluwe Chakuwamba (may his soul rest in peace). MCP MPs eg Lufeyo were beaten in presence of police at Bakili… Read more »
But not time did we see (at least reported) women being stripped off clothes in broad daylight. This barbaric act is a new (record) low. It is the first of it’s kind.
Just as ministers are at the forefront of stealing using Mwenyes.
In addition, UDF killed Chanco student Fanikiso Phiri; burnt MCP vehicles during bye-elections in Chiradzulu, abducted MCP bye-elections candidate Kapolo Msungeni in Ndirande. UDF should not claim to be holier today. They are the pioneers of political violence in Malawi.
Iwe Patel choka, usatiputsitse. DPP are your brothers and sisters.
This is the UDF I know
Its over try to mix yellow and blue you get green thus MCP shaaa kuli mmadzi boma ndi MCP