CCJP joins post-election peace initiative
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Mzuzu Diocese has started senstise political parties, chiefs and faith leaders to prepare the masses for the presidential elections case verdict.
The Constitutional Court has until February to determine the case in which Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera and UTM Party’s Saulos Chilima are disputing the President Peter Mutharika re-election in May 2019 polls.
Speaking at Nkhamenya in Kasungu, CCJP diocesan coordinator Arnold Msimuko said people should get ready to accept the outcome peacefully regardless of their expectations and political creed.
He said it is worrisome that some people destroyed police establishments in Nkhamenya and other areas during the post-elections riots.
He said the people need the security agency to uphold peace in times of civil unrests.
“We have witnessed series of violent protests where lives and property have been affected. Our fear is that if people are not prepared for the court ruling, it might be disastrous,” he explained.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) district governor Manyatwako Nyirenda promised to organise mass rallies to spread the message of peace.
“Whatever the court decides, we will have to accept it. This is the message we will take to party supporters,” he said.
UTM Kasungu North constituency governor Gilbert Mwale also said the party leaders in the area will take part in promoting peaceful co-existence and tolerance.
Representative of Senior Chief Kaluluma said traditional leaders were engaging police and community members to restore peace and security in the area.
