Five opposition political parties have turned down invitations to this year’s Umodzi Day celebrations scheduled for Mzuzu where President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to be the guest of honour.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People’s Party, Alliance for Democracy, United Democratic Front and UTM Party say government’s lack of commitment to promote peace is the reason for their decision.
lip service | NATION
In a communication dated December 9 2024 through Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture invited secretaries general of the five opposition parties as well as Malawi Congress Party (MCP), a key partner in the disintegrated governing Tonse Alliance, to attend the event on December 12 2024 at Katoto Freedom Park in Mzuzu.
The ministry also asked each party to send four representatives to participate in dancing and singing while dressed in their party colours.
CMD sent the invitation to the parties on December 9 2024 but in response on the same day, secretary generals of the five parties turned down the invitation.
But in an interview yesterday, DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito said they feel the event is mere lip service because the President and the police have not acted on concerns relating to political violence.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also MCP secretary general, refused to comment saying he was yet to get the communication on the opposition parties’ response.
However, governance analyst Willy Kambwandira has described the opposition parties’ decision as a missed opportunity to embrace their role as agents of peace and unity rather than perpetuating violence.
He said: “This day presents a unique opportunity for Malawians regardless of their political colours to come together, put aside their differences and collectively work on uniting the country.”
On the other hand, political analyst Ernest Thindwa said the opposition parties’ response reflects the exclusionary and confrontational nature of the country’s politics where the government and the opposition do not work together.
He called on politicians across the divide to start putting national interests ahead of party interests
Umodzi Day was first hosted last year to bring together Malawians from different political parties, tribes and religions as a demonstration of co-existence.
The celebrations this year will be held under the theme ‘Cultivating a culture of peace through active youth engagement’.
