By Burnett Munthali
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has firmly denied reports that it issued any statement regarding the controversial remarks allegedly made by Daudi Chikwanje, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) governor for the Eastern Region. A letter that has been circulating and is believed to be from AFORD has condemned these remarks, suggesting that they pose a threat to democratic freedoms. However, the party has dismissed the letter as unauthentic.
Grace Amatula Maluwa, the spokesperson for AFORD, clarified that the party had no involvement with the letter and urged the public not to believe its contents. “This letter did not come from us as AFORD,” Maluwa stated firmly, emphasizing that any claims linking the party to the statement are false.
The controversy stems from the arrest of Daudi Chikwanje, who was apprehended by police on suspicion of inciting political violence. Allegedly, Chikwanje encouraged DPP supporters to provoke and harass members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). This prompted widespread criticism and led to concerns about political intolerance and the potential for unrest.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the DPP described Chikwanje’s arrest as an act of persecution, condemning it as an unjustified attack on the party and its members.
The situation continues to develop as both parties navigate the complexities of Malawi’s political landscape, where tensions between the ruling party and opposition forces remain high.
