The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says President Peter Mutharika and his running mate Everton Chimulirenji will not participate in debates ahead of the May 21 elections.
In a statement today, the party says the two will not take part in all presidential and running mate debates hosted by some media institutions.
The press statement signed by DPP Secretary General Grezeldar Jeffrey says the party has reservations about the integrity of the organisation of the debates.
“The DPP assures all Malawians that it will continue to use other channels to communicate its development programmes for the nation and how it is attending to the welfare of Malawians.
“The party wishes to encourage the continuation of participatory democracy where the media plays a critical role,” the statement says.
Meanwhile, the DPP has encouraged Malawians to keep engaging with it in order to work together in its vision of moving Malawians from poverty to prosperity.
Last week, Zodiak organised a debate for running mates of major parties but the DPP’s Chimulirenji did not show up. Another debate hosted by Times is expected to take place tonight.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa – Malawi Chapter (MISA Malawi) in collaboration with various organisations has also organised presidential three debates.
The debates will be held on March 29, April 2 and April 5, 2019.
According to MISA Malawi, the presidential candidates will be divided into two groups and the first group will debate on March 29 while the second will debate on April 2.
“The final debate on April 5 will include all nine presidential candidates. Prior to their respective debates, all candidates will be asked to sign a pledge of non-violence,” MISA Malawi said in a statement
I believe you visiting development what is the carpet doing? Are you stupid Peter munthalika? Put those rubbish cloth when you in the office not going to visit people. That carpet is costing us. We have full presidential security around the country why you Wasting our tax payers money with your convoy? Sure going to mzuzu the hole m1 closed are you stupid? It means you stop the hole business. We have malawi defence force aircraft why don’t you just use to drop you off in mzuzu or blantyre but 271 vehicles must follow you, do you know how much money you costing us for your useless trips?
Zikomo a president aziko la Malawi ndikudziwa kuti muli kunitsitsa mutawinaso boma koma kumbukirani Malawi tsali mu town mokha ayi kapena kumidzi kokha ayi munthu ukabeleka ana zimatsiyana ndiyemwe wabeleka mwana kondani ana anu otsati mwana wanu ayi ndikuchokera ku mzimba koma alipo ena mupaka napano tsakukufziwani chifukwa muyendako kumizi mumawopa matope koma tose ndife a Malawi zikomo muziganidzira ana otsati mwana ayi