A political scientist in the country has described the current power cuts being experienced in the country as a result of lack of political will.
This is coming after it has been established that in Malawi’s capital city Lilongwe, residents have been enjoying a week free of blackouts ahead of the Tuesday by-elections.
Some areas where by-elections will be conducted on Tuesday have not experienced power cuts for almost a week now.
Some quarters have argued that this is a campaign tool by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to trap people to vote for their candidates.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi24, one of the political scientists in the country Wonderful Mkhutche said it is unfortunate that electricity is being used for political campaign.
“It is unfortunate that electricity is being used for political campaign.
“If some areas can be kept with electricity for politics, it is a clear sign that electricity power cuts are mere lack of political will,” said Mkhutche.
He added that people are able to realize the trap in the act saying the elections will be defined by other factors and not because of uninterrupted supply of electricity.
“DPP thinks this is the way to campaign, should they lose, it will definitely be a reality check for them,” Mkhutche said.
He further said that the situation has shown that government is pretending to be facing challenges in supplying electricity.
“All along we believed ESCOM that it had challenges regarding this. But this campaign has told us that government is able to supply us with electricity. Without beating about the bush, lack of political will is responsible for these blackouts,” he said.
By-elections are taking place in Lilongwe Msozi North Constituency, Lilongwe City South East Constituency, Nsanje Lalanje Constituency and Mayani North Ward in Dedza North Constituency.
