We are living in fear—DPP officials

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has said its officials and supporters are living in fear following the aggravated political violence targeting the party in the aftermath of the May 21 presidential election results.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday, DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi said it is sad that party officials have been targeted in the name of demonstrations.

Dausi, who is also Minister of Homeland Security, cited his own attack in Blantyre in May this year, as well as the damage of property of former Cabinet minister Grace Chiumia as evidence.

“It has become difficult to openly wear the party regalia because doing so would attract an attack from opposition-organised thugs,” he said.

Dausi was flanked by the party’s secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey, who refuted allegations that DPP cadets were involved in the looting and damage of property during protest marches which have been taking place in some parts of the country.

Jeffrey said it is illogical that the DPP, as winner of the presidential elections, would take part in a protest campaign against their own victory.

“As CEO of the party, I have not sent any cadet to cause havoc. We can do it but our President has advised us to remain calm and peaceful. If we were to let out our supporters, those demonstrating would be outnumbered, but we are a peace-loving party” she said.

While Dausi was addressing a press conference on one side of the town, accusing the MCP as being responsible for the anarchy, the old opposition political party was also holding a media briefing, where the party said it suspected the DPP to have torched offices of vice-president Sidik Mia in Blantyre.