Police warn against May 20 poll violence
Police have threatened to deal with people who will be caught perpetuating political violence during all stages of the country’s first-ever tripartite elections slated for May 20 this year.
The warning follows reports that some politicians want to use violence to destabilise campaign rallies.
A representative of the Inspector General, Peter Chasweka, and police commissioner for the South, Wilson Matinga, said during a Christmas and New Year’s Day party for the South at Comesa Hall in Blantyre on Monday that perpetrators of violence will face the law.
“As police, we are not going to tolerate such tendencies. The public needs to know that we have a responsibility to ensure they and their property are safe,” said Chasweka.
“With polls just in four months time, [we] are prepared to bring security during political meetings, the voting day and after vote counting,” he said.
In his remarks, Matinga said the demolition of some police units such as Nanthoka in Machinjiri, Blantyre, and incidences of mob justice are a clear indication that some people want to take the law into their own hands.
“Whenever problems arise in the community, people have to seek redress from the right authorities such as the officer-in-charge or community policing leaders,” he said.
Matinga said they will work with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure maximum security at venues destined for political rallies and polling stations.
“Police are currently undergoing training programmes on how to ensure security during such crucial political events,” he said.
Malawi goes to polls this year to elect a president, parliamentarians and ward councillors after the National Assembly last year passed a bill to conduct such polls on the same day.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) on Monday said 7 537 548 voters have registered for the 2014 polls.
The Christmas and New Year’s party, which is an annual event, brought together senior police officers from various police stations and sub-stations from the Southern Region, local leaders, and members of the business community.
During the event, the police also said crime had reduced in the South due to the continued patrols in both towns and residential areas.
