Violence rocks Nsanje Lalanje by-election: DPP hits at MCP
Violence has rocked Nsanje Lalanje ahead of the October 17 by-election as members of opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) say they have been attacked by followers of ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Gladys Ganda at Phokera on Wednesday.
Seventeen people say they were attacked by known DPP Youth Cadets. Those who spoke to Nyasa Times said the DPP youth militia went door-to-door in Phokera attacking supporters of MCP candidate Lawrence Sitolo and their families.
MCP regional chairman for the south Peter Simbi said he has received fresh reports of voter intimidation through violence.
“MCP supporters are being attacked by DPP cadres. This is not democracy,” Simbi said.
Simbi said the attacks were well planned. But DPP regional governor for south Charles Mchacha, denied his party was attacking opponents.
Police officers in the district said they are investigating the matter.
The political environment in Nsanje Lalanje constituency is relatively tense with numerous reports of political intolerance and violence in the build-up to the by-election.
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) executive secretary David Nungu said trend of events on political violence ahead of the by-elections give a worrying indication of what the road to 2019 may look like.
He said the commission will conduct a fact-finding mission on incidences of political violence to establish the cause and recommend solutions.
The influential Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), a grouping of Catholic bishops in the country, condemned politically-motivated violence.
Germany, one of the country’s development partners, also cautioned that the acts have the potential to ruin Malawi’s image as a peace loving nation.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will hold by-elections in Lilongwe Msozi North, Lilongwe South East and NsanjeLalanje constituencies and in three local government wards of Mayani North in Dedza North Constituency, Mtsiriza Ward in Lilongwe City West Constituency and NdirandeMakata Ward in Blantyre Malabada Constituency.
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Olo mutimenye tivoterabe MCP yomweyo…..
This is a clear indication that dpp knows pretty well it can’t win the by-elections in all the constituencies and wards hence resorted to violence. MEC why can’t u suspend dpp from taking part in the elections? U receive complaints from MCP but u have not taken any action against dpp when overwhelming evidence is there. Why siding with dpp?
MCP 2019 Boma ilooooooooooo!! Welcome to August house Hon. Lawrence Sitolo, Hon. Sosten Gwengwe, Hon. Ulemu Msungama and welcome to Councils all MCP councillors come 19th Oct.
gladys why can you leave politics alone. U WILL BE THE NEXT VICTIM
Every time you hear that police has not arrested anyone and is to carry out an investigation on any political violence, thats an outright confirmation that the DPP cadets are at it again and police is hand-tied. Why is the MDF quiet yet there is a security lapse in the country which the police is failing to bring to rest? . Kunali Young Pioneer and during their time they thought they shall bring terror till Jesus comes back Kunali Young Democrats and during their time they thought as well that they shall bring terror till Jesus comes back. All these… Read more »
Only a tree with fruits is thrown stones at. We are ready to die for MCP
Nsanje lalanje – muli pamoto; nkhondo yanjovu mukukutika ndinu…… siyani kusapota zimenezi coz mufera zaeni
Politics is a dirty game. Leave billionaires/millionaires alone you guys. Its difficult for politicians to cheer up the victims wherever they are. Zigwirani ntchito anthunu, asiyeni andalewa that’s their office amadyera momwemo