By Burnett Munthali
The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has firmly rejected a letter circulating on social media, which falsely claims to be an official statement from the party. The letter, which condemns political violence and contains critical remarks about the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has been labelled as fake by AFORD’s leadership.
Honorable Annie Maluwa, the National Publicity Secretary for AFORD, swiftly addressed the issue, clarifying that the document in question does not originate from the party. According to Maluwa, the letter is a fabrication designed to mislead the public and cause unnecessary confusion in the political landscape.
“The letter circulating on social media is a fake document and fake news. It does not reflect the views or position of the Alliance for Democracy,” said Honorable Maluwa. “We want to make it clear that AFORD has not issued any such statement. This is a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception.”
The fake letter, which has drawn significant attention online, allegedly condemns violence and accuses the DPP of being responsible for acts of political violence. It falsely attributes these sentiments to AFORD, prompting many people to believe that the party had taken an official stand against the DPP.
However, AFORD has made it clear that it does not support violence in any form and advocates for peaceful political discourse. The party emphasized that any official statements regarding violence or other political issues will be made through verified and legitimate channels, not through unauthorized documents circulated on social media.
“This letter is not from us, and we condemn the actions of those spreading this false information,” Honorable Maluwa added. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and to verify the sources of political documents before accepting them as true. Misinformation has the potential to cause harm and division, and it is important that we all work together to prevent its spread.”
The circulation of this fake letter comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Malawi, as various parties prepare for the upcoming elections. Political analysts have noted that disinformation, particularly in the form of fake letters and documents, has become a tool used by certain groups to stir unrest and manipulate public opinion.
In light of this incident, AFORD has called on social media users to be responsible in their online interactions, urging them to fact-check and avoid amplifying unfounded claims. The party has also stated that it will investigate the origins of the fake letter and may pursue legal action to protect its image and hold those responsible accountable.
As Malawi approaches its next election, political leaders and parties are urged to focus on fostering unity and constructive dialogue rather than engaging in tactics that could further polarize the nation. AFORD’s swift response to the fake letter is a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in political communication.
