By Linda Kwanjana
Misa Malawi has condemned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for disrupting live broadcasting at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) where Peter Mutharika was presenting nomination papers to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).
In a statement which its chairperson Golden Matonga has signed Misa has further condemned Sameer Suleman for being seen with naked eyes impounding tripod from cameramen.
“On Friday, July 25, 2025, some DPP followers who accompanied Professor Mutharika to the ceremony caused a commotion and disrupted the live media coverage of the event by blocking
the cameras and grabbing the broadcasting equipment, among other actions. One of the party followers, Sameer Suleman, aggressively seized the tripod and lighting equipment belonging to the Nation Publications Limited (NPL), claiming the equipment was
‘disturbing’ the party leader,” reads the statement.
According to the chaiirperson , the disruption forced journalists on duty to abruptly stop the live coverage of the event and focus on their safety and protecting the broadcasting equipment from possible damage.
“MISA Malawi believes the behaviour is a violation of media freedom and the right of the people, especially the electorate, to access accurate and credible information on the goings-on in the runup to the September 16 general elections,”
Misa Malawi has since asked the leadership of the DPP, all political parties, and independent candidates
contesting in the election to hold their supporters accountable for any barbaric behaviours, such as the unnecessary commotion at BICC.
Matonga says , apart from violating fundamental freedoms of journalists
and the general public, such behaviours tarnish the image of the parties involved.
MISA Malawi has since urged all political party leaders and supporters to ensure that journalists are free to cover all electoral activities in safe and secure spaces during and beyond the current electoral cycle.
