US, UK deplore political insults
The governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (USA) have spoken against reported inflammatory and derogatory public comments from the Malawi’s senior politicians, cautioning that such statements could lead to violence during next year’s elections.
The inflammatory statements have been made by politicians from both government and opposition blocs.
The two countries expressed the concern in a joint statement released on Tuesday and signed by British High Commissioner Michael Nevin and US Ambassador Jeanine Jackson.
The two governments said they were disturbed by recent reported inflammatory and derogatory public comments from some senior party officials and their supporters.
Reads the statement in part: “We support an election that is free, fair, credible and safe for all Malawians. Political parties need to play their part by campaigning responsibly and adhering to the electoral code of conduct.
“Such rhetoric risks stoking violence and threatens the stability that Malawi is known for. We urge all parties, candidates and their supporters to refrain from insults and instead focus on the real issues that Malawi needs to address through these elections.”
The two countries’ concern comes after the media has recently been awash with reports of increased political rhetoric, both from the government and the opposition sides.
The statement notes that such comments could breed hatred and misunderstanding as the country moves towards elections.
During the opening of a conflict management training for political party leaders recently in Lilongwe, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Maxon Mbendera, who is also a Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, also expressed concern about the same and asked political parties to engage in positive politics where the competition is based on policies and manifestoes.
He warned against negative rhetoric which could degenerate into violence if not properly managed.
Mbendera also implored leaders of various political parties to influence their members to refrain from acts of violence or uttering statements that can easily bring about unnecessary tension that could affect the process of free and fair elections.
Reacting to the US and UK statement, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Nicholas Dausi said his party shares the concerns.
But he added that in as far as DPP is concerned, its approach and statements have always been issue-based.
Said Dausi: “Democracy must be entrenched in issue-based criticism… and politics must provide answers to basic needs of life. DPP has concentrated on pointing out the issues that do not answer to those needs. That could not be said to be inflammatory, at no time have we ever gone personal.”
United Democratic Front (UDF) spokeperson Ken Ndanga also said he agreed with the observation made by two diplomats, saying the statement vindicates UDF whose leadership, he said, has always demonstrated and spoken against derogatory remarks during political rallies.
Ndanga also said the statement has come at a right time as it would give political players a chance to reflect on their conduct as the country goes towards the elections.
Ruling People’s Party (PP) publicity secretary Hophmally Makande said he needed to consult whereas Malawi Congress Party (MCP) publicity secretary Jolly Kalelo could not be reached for comment as his phone was not accessible.
