As Malawi approaches the official campaign period for the upcoming elections, reports of violence and intimidation between rival political parties and candidates are already surfacing. These early signs of unrest paint a bleak picture of what may transpire during the official campaign phase, leading to debates and discussions within political parties on how best to address the escalating tensions. Various schools of thought have emerged, each proposing unique solutions to curb the growing challenge of political violence and uphold democratic values.
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera President Peter Mutharika has appointed Second Vice President Enock Chihana to represent Malawi at the SADC Extraordinary Summit on June 29, where regional leaders will discuss the political and security situation in Madagascar. Read moreBiography Of Zuneth SattarPresident Peter Mutharika has delegated Second Vice President Enock Chihana to […]
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Peter Mukhito, the Secretary General for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasizes the importance of direct engagement between political parties. He suggests that dialogue and cooperation among parties are essential in fostering a peaceful campaign environment. “We need to engage with one another more constructively,” Mukhito stated in a recent interview. According to him, inter-party communication will allow for common ground to be found, and mechanisms can be put in place to resolve disputes before they escalate into violence. He argues that ignoring the root causes of these conflicts and failing to engage will only perpetuate the cycle of violence, undermining Malawi’s democracy.
In contrast, Jessy Kabwila, the Publicity Secretary for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), advocates for a more internal approach within political parties. Kabwila highlights the need for stringent checks on individuals who hold influential positions within parties. “Parties need to be more careful about who they put in positions of power,” she noted, emphasizing that leaders should be of good character and committed to peaceful political processes. She believes that by thoroughly vetting leaders and influencers within parties, the political landscape can be steered away from violence and intimidation tactics, fostering a more peaceful electoral process.
Meanwhile, the UTM’s Publicity Secretary, Felix Njawala, takes a different stance, identifying youth empowerment as the key to tackling political violence. Njawala observes that young people are often the perpetrators of violence, not out of ideological conviction, but because of economic desperation. “Most of these young people are paid to cause trouble due to idleness and lack of opportunities,” Njawala said. He proposes that addressing unemployment and providing meaningful engagement for the youth will significantly reduce their vulnerability to exploitation by political actors. By investing in youth empowerment initiatives, Njawala argues, political parties can help curb the cycle of violence.
These differing perspectives highlight the complexity of addressing political violence in Malawi. On one hand, there is a call for greater inter-party cooperation and dialogue, while on the other, there is an emphasis on internal party discipline and youth empowerment as preventive measures. As the country gears up for the campaign period, it remains to be seen which of these strategies will gain the most traction in ensuring a peaceful and democratic election.
What is clear, however, is that political violence not only threatens the safety and security of Malawians but also undermines the very fabric of democracy. As parties continue to navigate this issue, the hope is that constructive solutions will emerge to foster an environment where political competition is conducted peacefully and in the spirit of democracy.
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera President Peter Mutharika has appointed Second Vice President Enock Chihana to represent Malawi at the SADC Extraordinary Summit on June 29, where regional leaders will discuss the political and security situation in Madagascar. Read moreBiography Of Zuneth SattarPresident Peter Mutharika has delegated Second Vice President Enock Chihana to […]
Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde The Development Aid from People to People ( DAPP) is set to implement a 36 month training and work for young people, women, and people with disabilities in Thyolo, Chiladzulu, Dowa and Mzimba districts. Read moreMalawi Government Faulted Over Arrests of Coup SuspectsThe trainings will cover programs such […]
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi — The Malawi Government says it has successfully repatriated 6,936 Malawians who were stranded in South Africa following a wave of xenophobic attacks, as authorities continue efforts to bring home thousands more citizens. Read moreAllegations of a coup plot sour diplomatic tiesAccording to a statement issued […]
Listen to this article By Our Reporter Various religious groups in Malawi and abroad have expressed surprise at the reported K5 million payment required from anyone seeking to contest for the position of Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM). Read moreMalawi Government Faulted Over Arrests of Coup SuspectsThe reported nomination fee has triggered […]
Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Thousands of Malawians are racing against time to return home from South Africa as fears mount over planned anti-immigrant demonstrations scheduled for June 30. Read moreBiography Of Zuneth SattarThe looming deadline, announced by anti-immigration groups in South Africa targeting undocumented foreign nationals, has triggered one of the largest […]
