BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Malawi President Peter Mutharika has taken a swipe at the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) for its failure to fulfill its duty of compelling political leaders to commit to peace in the 2019 elections.
Mutharika met the interfaith quasi-religious body at Sanjika Palace on Wednesday to discuss developments affecting the country such as the political situation after the court ruling and Malawi’s response to coronavirus.
In his opening remarks, Mutharika wondered why PAC remained silent when the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and opposition political parties were holding demonstrations which always turned violent resulting in injuries and destruction of property in the country.
“In every Election, you have always insisted that political leaders must commit to peace and accept results of the Election. I have always wondered if you, as Public Affairs Committee fulfilled this duty in the 2019 Election.
“I and many other Malawians have been disappointed that PAC failed to criticize violence for 9 good months,” said Mutharika.
He added: “As founders and custodians of our democracy, you need to know that we have allowed our democracy to be hijacked and destroyed before our eyes. People are committing violence, criminal activities and serious injustice in the name of human rights.
“As religious leaders, it is your duty to ensure that there is justice in the land where God anointed you to serve; Another Election is coming. How are you going to ensure that losers will accept the results and commit to be peaceful this time?”
Commenting on the nullification of 2019 presidential election, Mutharika said the Constitutional Court Judges failed to deliver justice based on “law, truth and evidence.”
On coronavirus, Mutharika commended faith groups for taking a leading role in teaching the masses on the dangers of the virus and its preventive measures.
“I want to commend various faith groups who have been steadfast in teaching the dangers of Coronavirus and even suspending church gatherings. You do not wait to be told by Government for you to be wise. The problem before us demands wisdom.
“I also want to commend PAC for committing to play a role in fighting Coronavirus. I appointed the Chairperson of PAC to sit on the then Cabinet Committee because I want you and the faith organisations behind you to be taking your concerns and advice straight to that committee,” he said.
Taking his turn, PAC chairperson Patrick Thawale said the organization was pleased that the President has always been democratic and open to matters of national importance.
He said the President’s “quick response” in accepting their request to meet him signified his readiness and willingness to constructive dialogue on issues affecting Malawians.
“This meeting today demonstrates the importance you attach to constructive dialogue. We thank you for your openness to foster such conversations between us,” said Thawale.
However, in apparent reference to Balaka incident where police dispersed worshipers, Thawale expressed disappointment over what he termed as selective enforcement of covid-19 preventive measures like acting on churches while markets are left to operate normally.
Among members of PAC that attended the meeting include PAC Executive Director Robert Phiri, Publicity Secretary Gilford Matonga, vice chairperson Osman Karim and board member Agness Kamoto.
