.….A Grave Warning for 2025 Elections
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) and the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) strongly condemn the violent assault and shooting of opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters in Mponela on Sunday evening, 11th May 2025 by alleged Malawi Congress Party (MCP) youth operatives.
The victims were returning from a political rally in Ntchisi when their minibus was ambushed in what appears to be a deliberate act of politically motivated violence.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 and signed by its Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe observes, “This disturbing incident, which left several individuals injured and traumatized, comes barely weeks after the Malawi Police Service convened a high-level engagement with youth directors of all political parties to curb rising political violence ahead of the September 16, 2025, General Elections.
“The continued silence and inaction of the Malawi Police Service in response to this latest attack is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about its impartiality and professionalism”.
CSEIF and NAP however reiterate that the Mponela violence is a recipe for avoidable and unwarranted instability and could serve as a precursor to a violent and chaotic campaign period.
“Political leaders, especially within the MCP and DPP, must swallow their pride and abandon the use of violence and intimidation as tools for suppressing electoral competition.
“True democratic legitimacy can only be achieved through peaceful engagement and tolerance,” reads the statement in part.
Kondowe appeals, “We call upon the Malawi Police Service to act swiftly, impartially, and professionally by investigating the Mponela attack, apprehending the perpetrators, and publicly committing to safeguarding all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
“Selective enforcement of the law will only deepen political divisions and erode public trust in law enforcement institutions”.
He adds, “We further urge the Peace and Unity Commission, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, and all civil society organizations to play their rightful role in de-escalating political tensions, promoting dialogue, and safeguarding Malawi’s democratic space.
“Now more than ever, collective and coordinated action is needed to protect peace, unity, and electoral integrity.
Malawi cannot afford a descent into chaos. The time to act is now”.
Meanwhile police report shows that the culprits have been arrested.
