By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and the Malawi Police Service (MPS) have pledged to take necessary measures to prevent electoral-related violence ahead of the September 16th general elections.
The commitment was made during an inter-party dialogue organised by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) in Lilongwe.
MDF Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri said the military is ready to aid the police when overwhelmed with violent incidents from a strategic point of view.
“We are committed to ensuring that the elections are peaceful and that the security of all Malawians is guaranteed,” Phiri said.
Vice Chairperson of the Elections Police Security Task Force, Commissioner Babra Mchenga Tsiga, said the engagement with political parties will help the security agencies to regain public trust.
“Our plan is to be proactive in preventing violence from occurring in the country,” Tsiga said, adding that,”We want to assure Malawians that we are committed to ensuring a peaceful election.”
CMD Chairperson Dr. Elias Chikwera said the dialogue was aimed at establishing a common ground between security agencies and political parties to deal with factors that contribute to electoral violence.
“As an umbrella body for political parties, we saw it fit to engage the security agencies to ensure that we have a peaceful election,” Chikwera said.
However, some political party secretary generals expressed reservations about the Malawi Police Service’s discharge of its duties, accusing it of selective application of the law. They suggested the need for the MDF to take charge of the country’s security during the election period.
The concerns raised by the political parties highlight the importance of ensuring that security agencies are impartial and effective in maintaining law and order during the elections. The MDF and MPS have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring a peaceful election.
The inter-party dialogue was a crucial step in promoting peace and stability during the election period.
By engaging with political parties and security agencies, CMD has demonstrated its commitment to promoting democratic values and ensuring that the elections are free and fair.
As the country approaches the September 16th elections, the role of security agencies will be critical in maintaining peace and stability.The MDF and MPS have a responsibility to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.
