Low MCP demo turnout dissapoints leaders in Zomba

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) publicity secretary for the Eastern Region Geofrey Banda has described the low turnout of people in the organised demonstrations against the May 21 Tripartite Elections results in Zomba City as dissapointing.

He made the sentiments on Tuesday at MCP regional offices in Zomba after the party’s and People’s Party (PP) protesters marched from Chinamwali Township through Zomba City Centre.

The march began with less than 18 demonstrators escorted by a team of armed as well as civilian police officers deposited to instil security during the protests.

However, the number of  demonstrators kept on increasing especially in the city centre when some sympathisers joined.

Despite the low turnout, the demostrators carried placards and chanted songs telling the current administration to step down since it rigged elections.

“We attribute the low turnout to fears of further arrests like what happened to our fellow protesters in Lilongwe, but, we are glad that the few that have marched have displayed solidarity in the fight for justice in the just ended controversial tripartite elections,” he said.

One of the youth who patronised the protests, Asyatu Idrissa, said as youths they are eager to see justice prevailing on the matter.

“Any form of injustice in this matter will fuel voter apathy in future elections as people will leave it to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to choose for the nation presidents they want,” she said.

However, no UTM Party patriots were on site, despite that the party is, alongside MCP, challenging the presidential results in court. In an interview, UTM Party publicity secretary Chidanti Malunga said they did not participate in the march because the issues are in court.