By Jones Gadama
In a shocking turn of events, Hon. Tiyamike Harold Goliati has announced his decision to hardly participate in the DPP primary elections for Mulanje South East Constituency, citing continued violence and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by his opponent, Hon. Naomi Kilekwa Phiri.
In a letter addressed to the Director of Elections, with copies to top DPP officials, Goliati detailed a series of incidents that have led him to this decision.
According to Goliati, the violence and intimidation began during the area verification exercise on April 22, 2025, at the DPP Regional Office in Blantyre, where one of Phiri’s security personnel, Mr. Nyali, allegedly attempted to assault him.
This was followed by the intimidation of his monitor, Mr. Sankhulani, during the postponed DPP primaries on May 1, 2025.
Goliati also alleged that Phiri had hired two policemen to train her supporters on how to attack opponents during the primary elections.
He further claimed that one of Phiri’s trusted associates, Mr. Botolo, was disguised as a neutral security personnel at the voting site but was removed after his true identity was discovered.
In a recent incident, Goliati’s security team was attacked by Mr. Chakonola, a known influential strategist of Phiri’s, at GVH Mambulu. The matter was reported to the local authorities, including GVH Mambulu and community police.
Goliati expressed concern over Phiri’s behavior during an arbitration meeting convened by the Director of Elections on May 8, 2025, where she allegedly attempted to influence the panel to disqualify her contenders.
He claimed that Phiri has been attacking him personally and indirectly, including engineering the transfer of his uncle and other health workers from Mimosa Health Centre.
Despite these challenges, Goliati has chosen not to retaliate, instead ensuring the security of his campaign team and himself.
He has, however, decided to contest on an independent ticket, citing the safety of his team and himself as his top priority.
The news of Goliati’s decision has sent shockwaves throughout the constituency, where he has been credited with initiating free vocational training programs that have benefited many residents. His supporters argue that his leadership has brought development and hope to the area.
Goliati’s contribution to the DPP cannot be overstated. He played a significant role in resurrecting the party and has continued to drum up support for Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Even after the 2019 elections, he chose not to protest against Phiri’s election, despite allegations of electoral anomalies.
In a nod to his continued support for the party, Goliati stated that the K500, 000 plus other associated payments, including the K80,000 Constituency fee he paid for his participation in the DPP Primary Elections, should be regarded as his continued support for the party.
The people of Mulanje South East Constituency will undoubtedly miss Goliati’s leadership in the DPP.
His decision to contest on an independent ticket has raised questions about the future of the party in the constituency.
In a final note, Goliati called for a forensic audit of the party’s affairs in the constituency, as proposed in his 10-point complaints letter dated May 1, 2025. Only time will tell how this development will shape the political landscape of Mulanje South East Constituency.
Goliati’s legacy in the constituency is well-documented. He has been a champion of the people, always staying with them and listening to their concerns.
During the Freddy cyclone, Goliati was at the forefront of relief efforts, providing support to victims from his own pocket.
His commitment to the people of Mulanje South East Constituency is unwavering, and his decision to contest on an independent ticket is seen as a bid to continue serving the people he has come to love and care for.
As the constituency prepares for the upcoming elections, one thing is certain: Hon. Tiyamike Harold Goliati will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Mulanje South East Constituency.
