LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has condemned Malawi Police Service for favouring overzealous Malawi Congress Party (MCP) followers who keep on attacking other political parties members.
The condemnation comes as Malawi Police has failed to arrest MCP zealots who attacked AFORD supporters on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Mponera in Dowa district.
The attack came ahead of a political rally which AFORD President Enoch Chihana wants to hold on Sunday in the area.
Addressing the news conference on Saturday, May 18, AFORD National Publicity Secretary Annie Amatullah Maluwa demanded free police service operations.
Maluwa wants President Lazarus Chakwera Tonse Alliance government to adhere to principle of democracy Malawi is currently enjoying.
She therefore appeals to Malawians to condemn in strongest terms against MCP members barbaric behaviours.
Despite the attacks, AFORD indicates that will proceed with Mponera Rally on Sunday.
Both Malawi Police Service and MCP authorities are yet to comment on the matter.
Below is AFORD statement:
The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) is deeply saddened and concerned with attacks of its members in Mponera as preparations for a Rally to be hosted by its President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana (EKC) this Sunday, the 19th May, 2024 were underway.
The suspected thugs who were identified as; Chikwanje, Modiala, Yesaya, Luwisi, Sajeni, Edo, Masala, Maxwell, Jimmy and Alex.
However, the law enforcers have declined to take action after receiving orders from above. The intolerance and violence that have spoiled the credibility of electoral campaign before its inception are a serious threat to our democratic values.
We strongly condemn the growing incidents of attacks and barricades targeted at political opponents.
The rise in xenophobia and violence is troubling and undermines the principles of democracy, fair competition, and peaceful participation in the electoral
process.
Our memories are fresh that DPP members were attacked a few months ago at Mbowe filling station in Lilongwe.
Surprisingly, the police are still investigating until now despite pictures of perpetrators having been awash in the social media. Such acts of aggression not only pose a direct threat to the safety and well-being of political candidates and their supporters but also erode public trust in the electoral system.
Again, we strongly condemn the nonstop discharging of hate speech and the rise of ethnocentric, provocative, and inflammable language particularly through politicians.
The general public is aware that the current Chakwera led government is intolerant and not able to hold democratic values.
They however have to be aware that Malawi
having adopted a multiparty system of government, it is impossible for them to continue behaving as if they are in a One Party Rule. On the other hand, we will continue restraining ourselves not to litteriate nor take the law in our own hands.
We believe the normalization lasts harmful stereotypes, preconceptions, and discrimination. While we
continue to monitor the situation, these are early warning signs and triggers for conflict and election-related violence. The demonstration of MCP and Chakwera led government barbarism is an immense threat to tenets of democracy.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
Despite the challenging context and tense environment, it is imperative that all stakeholders including political parties, the media, and civil society work together to uphold the peace and stability of the country.
To this extent, we call on all stakeholders to uphold the mediation and dialogue mechanisms definedin the election regulations and laws.
We call upon MCP and Chakwera led government to observe and respect the rule of law through promotion of democracy.
We call upon the Malawi Police Service to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality. They must carry out their duties with utmost integrity and ensure the safety and security of all peace loving Malawians.
It is imperative that security forces act without any form of intimidation or bias avoid over-securitization and allow citizens to exercise their right without fear.
We call upon the international community to intervene and categorically condemn in strongest terms barbaric behaviour of Chakwera led government.
We would like to believe that President Chakwera would not like to leave a legacy of violence as he leaves government in 2025.
Signed;
Hon.
NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY
D
