Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera has called on Malawians to put the police under his oversight after the 2019 elections in order to end violence perpetrated by ruling party cadets.
Chakwera who is also Leader of Opposition said this in a statement on Monday in which he condemned the continued attacks on members of the opposition by youth belonging to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Last week, UTM legislator Bon Kalindo was assaulted in Mulanje. Over the weekend, DPP cadets beat up UTM members in Mangochi and assaulted MCP supporter Edward Govati at his home in Blantyre.
In his statement, Chakwera said the violent acts should fuel Malawians’ commitment to ending the Peter Mutharika government’s reign of terror by voting for the MCP.
“Only then can we ensure that Mutharika, who has lost his grip on his own party, his own government, and any credibility to lead this nation, is replaced. Only then can you, the people, finally have the chance you deserve and desire to once again enjoy the security and prosperity that these cadets have wantonly plundered,” said Chakwera.
According to the MCP leader, he contacted the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Rodney Jose to discuss the acts of violence which have increased since the start of 2019.
During the talks, Chakwera called on the Malawi Police chief to put in place measures aimed at restoring the rule of law on the political landscape and ending the acts which the MCP leader believes are being carried out to inflict maximum damage and instill terror.
“The Inspector General has assured me that police efforts are underway to decisively deal with these dangerous trends. I have therefore assured him of my full support in any form toward that end. Not only am I supportive of his efforts to restore law and order now, but I also pledge my full support from May 22 onwards,” said Chakwera.
Meanwhile, the former ruling People’s Party has also expressed concern over the violent acts saying the behaviour shown by the perpetrators is undemocratic and barbaric.
“As one of opposition parties in the country we will together with our colleagues continue holding those in power accountable for their actions and policies. This we will do through Parliament and rallies across the country as such we expect the DPP to accept this reality,” PP National Publicity Secretary Ackson Kalaile Banda said in a statement.
Who does Chakwera want to cheat? MCP still has its youth league and MYP members. Malawians have not forgotten how dissenting views have been violently suppressed in MCP. Never MCP again.