By Jones Gadama
A poor understanding of the Political Parties Act is contributing to the incitement of violence and issuing of handouts among political parties in Malawi, according to the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD). CMD Program Manager Ruth Mthekana made the observation during a meeting with political parties represented in Parliament, aimed at promoting peace ahead of the elections.
The meeting also tackled the issue of voter apathy, which was evident during the voter registration exercise.
Mthekana’s comments highlight the need for political parties to understand and adhere to the provisions of the Political Parties Act, which promotes democratic principles and values.
UTM Regional Governor for the North-North, Dr. Moses Mlenga, attributed the persistence of violence to the lack of action from authorities.
“It’s frustrating to see other parties doing the opposite, with the Registrar of Political Parties failing to take action,” Mlenga said.
However, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Regional Publicity Secretary Khumbo Mwangulu disagreed, saying it’s easy to blame the government when things go wrong.
“People should remember that the government includes both ruling and opposition parties,” Mwangulu said.
He emphasized that promoting peace and ending the culture of handouts is a collective responsibility, requiring continuous awareness for both parties and their supporters.
The meeting underscores the importance of promoting peace and stability in the country, particularly ahead of the elections.
Political parties must work together to create an environment that encourages voter participation and reduces the risk of violence.
The CMD’s efforts to promote peace and democracy are commendable, and it’s essential for all stakeholders to support such initiatives.
By working together, Malawi can ensure that its democratic processes are strengthened, and the country moves towards a more peaceful and stable future.
