MCP supporters in peaceful march

Disgruntled Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters on Friday took to the streets of Lilongwe in a peaceful march to express their anger with the outcome of the just-ended May 21 elections.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Peter Mutharika was declared winner in the elections which some civil society organisations such as Public Affairs Committee (PAC) have branded as not being credible.

The supporters, mostly comprising youths and donning the party’s red T-shirts, marched from the party’s headquarters in City Centre to some parts of Old Town before heading back to the party offices.

The group, which marched without police escort, carried tree branches while chanting anti-Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) songs and heaping praise on Lazarus Chakwera as the legitimate winner of the highly contested elections.

The peaceful marchers caused traffic jams on some roads, but no violent incidences were reported.

 National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera, when contacted for comment, feigned ignorance of the protests.

Said Kadadzera: “I need to check if indeed there was such a protest march, but I am not aware.”

Before the march, Chakwera, who earlier held a press briefing at the party’s headquarters, addressed the followers, saying victory was stolen from the main opposition party and they will continue to seek redress in the courts.

He also urged the supporters to exercise restraint by not being violent but, instead, respecting the rule of law at all times.

The party’s director of youth Richard Chimwendo Banda was not available for comment on the march by the party’s youth.