Faith leaders and violence-free elections

Mbayani residents were recently saved fierce political skirmishes involving supporters of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator for Blantyre Kabula Constituency, Felix Njawala and his contender Rashid Gaffar, thanks to faith leaders.

With assistance from the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, faith leaders successfully doused the fire before it spread. I ask leader of an interdenominational religious grouping, Chigonjetso Community Development Organisation (CDO), Evangelist Linly Mbeta on what they did to bring the two camps to the talking table.

Q. What caused the difference between supporters of the two candidates?

A.

It was a very simple issue, honestly. You remember that Mbayani Police Unit was burnt down by angry residents sometime in November. The residents were dissatisfied with the way the police handled the case of a teenager who had killed a businessman—Feston Chipinda—after disagreeing on payment for a packet of fresh milk.

Following that incident, the area has been operating without a police unit. This brought a lot of worry among chiefs and community leaders about lack of security in the area.

While community leaders were mulling over where to get resources for renovating the unit, MP Njawala and an aspirant, Gaffar, came forward with each promising to renovate the facility. Considering that this is an electoral season, both wanted to gain political mileage out of the initiative. That was the genesis of the disagreements.

Q. How did you faith leaders diffuse the tensions?

A.

First, let me inform you that all along we’ve been in partnership with NICE Trust. NICE trained us with skills for containing, handling and managing political tensions.

It is these skills we learned that we used to diffuse tensions between supporters of Njawala and Gaffar. Our major role has been to preach coexistence, peace and love for one another irrespective of political affiliations.

On the other hand, NICE provides trainings to political leaders in principles of democracy, good governance and political tolerance. Politicians are always reminded on the need for an issue-based campaign as a measure for preventing violence.

Q. What basis do you have for intervening in politically-motivated differences?

A.

Our area of intervention mainly focuses on building the spirit of love and unity for mankind. We are also sensitising people on the need to tolerate each other and let God fight for us where we are limited. And this is in line with Psalms 35, which records a story of King David who appealed for God’s intervention when he saw that he did not have power to contend with his enemies.

We are teaching politicians and their supporters to relent and trust in God’s might. Possibly, you may also wish to appreciate that all leaders derive their powers to govern from God.

This means that no one can rise to the position of leadership through hook or crook. God must first choose you. The role of the people is merely to endorse God’s choice through various means such as elections. The Tripartite Elections Malawi is holding next year gives us an opportunity to agree with God’s choice.

That’s why it’s important that everyone takes part in these elections. Staying away from elections is just the same as rejecting God’s decision for you.

Q. What do you think is behind politically-motivated violence?

A.

The main cause for politically-motivated violence is lack of understanding among our leaders that leadership is derived from God. Most of our political leaders do not understand the concept of power; hence, cannot appreciate the importance of an issue-based campaign.

I believe that this country can achieve a violence-free electoral process if our leaders understand the concept of leadership. However, it’s not too late because the partnership between Chigonjetso and NICE aims at sensitising political leaders on issue-based campaign, qualities of a good leader, among others.

Q. What is your advice to violent diven polticans?

A.

Honourably concede defeat and partner with the winners to serve the people. Leadership doesn’t entail being in power only. You can still lead the people even outside parliament, State House or the Assembly.