BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has strongly condemned the disruption of live media coverage during the presentation of the nomination papers by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate, Arthur Peter Mutharika, to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC ) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday evening,MISA Malawi Chairperson, Golden Matonga,says the incident occurred when some DPP supporters who accompanied Mutharika to the ceremony disrupted journalists covering the event.

He says the supporters reportedly blocked cameras and interfered with broadcasting equipment, leading to a premature halt in live coverage.

Matonga says one supporter, identified as Sameer Suleman, allegedly seized a tripod and lighting equipment belonging to Nation Publications Limited (NPL), claiming it was disturbing the party leader.

“The disruption forced journalists on duty to stop the live coverage and focus on their safety and on protecting their equipment from possible damage,” says Matonga in the statement.

He has described the incident as a serious violation of media freedom and the public’s right to access accurate and credible information,particularly critical in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for September 16.

The Misa Malawi chairperson has however,called on the DPP leadership as well as all political parties and independent candidates to hold their supporters accountable and ensure such conduct is not repeated.

“Barbaric behaviours such as the unnecessary commotion at BICC not only infringe on fundamental freedoms of journalists and the public but also tarnish the image of the parties involved,” he adds.

Matonga has further urged all political players to guarantee that journalists are free to report on electoral events in safe and secure environments throughout and beyond the current electoral cycle.

“Journalism is not a crime,” he concludes.