Tight security at FAM polls

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has  stepped up security during tomorrow’s Football Association of Malawi (FAM) elective assembly   at Sunbird Mzuzu.

Northern Region Police Headquarters spokesperson Maurice Chapola has since warned delegates and the public against causing violence or any other disturbances at the polls.

“Considering the fact that these elections are of national interest, we are taking issues of security seriously. We will not let anyone in conflict with the law scot-free. We have enough space for such individuals in the Police cells. We will not say how many officers will be involved,” he said in an interview.

Chapola said they have tightened the security following violent incidents in previous FAM elections such as in 2015 and 2019 elections.

During the 2019 elections in Mangochi, police had to fire teargas to disperse some fans, who disputed the outcome following incumbent FAM president Walter Nyamilandu’s re-election for a fourth term of office.

Prior to the 2015 polls, former National Youth Football Association (NYFA) chairperson Mabvuto  Missi, who was a  voting delegate as a member of FAM affiliate, claimed to have received death threats just before the elections.

Meanhile, a statement Northern Region Police issued said they will deploy officers in both uniformsand plain clothes in and outside the election venue as well as around Mzuzu City to ensure the elections are conducted in an orderly manner.

Reads the statement in part: “The Police appeals to contestants, affiliates and fans to exercise caution, collaborate and maintain peace before, during and after the elections.

“Police officers will ensure that all participants adhere to the strict identification measures as put forward by FAM’s accreditation requirements. The police will not hesitate to arrest those that will be found causing chaos or disturbing peace.”

Although 36 individuals from FAM’s nine affiliates vote during the polls, tensions arise ahead of the elections with camps of the two presidential candidates coming up with some intimidation tactics.

This year’s elections will see incumbent Nyamilandu battling to retain the hot-seat against Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Fleetwood Haiya.

Meanwhile, the world football governing body Fifa, through chief member associations officer  Kenny Jean-Marie, has asked FAM to manage their affairs independently without undue influence from a third party and apply a fair and democratic procedure that guarantees the complete independence of the elections.

He said Fifa will continue to monitor the electoral process and will send a representative to attend the assembly as an observer.

Reads a statement, dated December 13 2023, which Fifa addressed to FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda: “Fifa has been monitoring the electoral process leading to the election of FAM executive committee.

“The committee was advised to strictly observe a number of important principles, including its main role, which is to organise and supervise the electoral process and take all relevant decisions relating to the elections.”

FAM Electoral Committee chairperson James Masumbu yesterday said all is set for the polls and that everything will be done in accordance with the laws.

“We expect that all candidates and delegates will strive for peaceful and non-violent elections. Otherwise, they will face the consequences,” he said.

Affiliates have since pleaded with the presidential candidates to ensure they fulfil what they have promised in their manifestoes as that is what will make them vote for a particular aspirant.