Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Alliance for Democracy (Aford) yesterday declared that they have lost trust in the Malawi Police Service, urging the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to step in and ensure security ahead of the September 16 General Election.
The call followed an interface with the police that was organised by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) in Lilongwe to address the matter of rising political violence.
The meeting was attended by the police, MDF official, as well as political party secretary generals, directors of youth and women from UTM Party, United Democratic Front (UDF), Malawi Congress Party, Aford and DPP.
In separate interviews after the meeting, both the DPP and Aford representatives expressed frustration with police inaction on violence.
DPP director of elections Jean Mathanga pointed out that the country has witnessed repeated cases of violence during the ongoing by-elections and campaign meetings.
Said Mathanga: “We have seen electoral incidents, like polling disruptions and attacks at political rallies. This worries us as we approach September 16. We need assurance of peaceful elections.”
According to her, wherever the MDF is deployed, there is peace as people fear consequences.
On her part, Aford secretary general Linda Limbe also said a number of people perpetrating violence are still walking scot-free.
The Aford SG saidher party requested MDF support in hotspots during polling.
But Central West Region Police Commissioner Barbara Mchenga Tsiga, who is also deputy chairperson for the elections security team, insisted that the police work impartially.
“We have begun training and awareness campaigns. If we stay on this path, elections will be free and fair,” she said.
