Aspiring women members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors in Mzuzu City have raised alarm over the challenges they face ahead of the September 16 General Election, citing intimidation, bullying, and unfair practices that threaten to undermine their campaigns.
The concerns, which the women aspirants fear might undermine their campaigns, came to light recently during a meeting organised by the Women’s Legal Resource Centre (Wolrec), where female political aspirants shared their experiences of harassment and systemic bias.
Mzuzu City South East independent aspirant Lessie Mauluka said women aspirants are being targeted by male opponents who employ intimidation tactics.
“There was an incident where some boys nearly beat us up. We reported it, and we hope to see justice because the person who orchestrated it is a male aspirant,” she said, without naming the individual.
Mchengautuba City West Ward councillor Pyera Kalimandanda Chiumia, who is vying for the Mzuzu City West MP seat, also criticised churches for indirectly promoting wealth-based favouritism.
“Churches invite us to donate to their foundations, but if our contribution is less than that of a male aspirant, we are looked down upon and even booed,” she said.
However, Mzuzu Police Station community policing coordinator Adson Mapanda assured female aspirants of their safety, stating that law enforcement is monitoring hotspots for political violence and working with relevant stakeholders to prevent further intimidation.
