Mutharika: Those planning to rig elections will be arrested

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has warned opposition political parties against rigging the tripartite elections saying they will be arrested.

Mutharika made the remarks during a whistle-stop tour for his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Blantyre on Sunday.

He claimed that some people belonging to opposition parties are working with foreigners to rig the 2019 elections.

In his words, Mutharika demanded the people to quit their “nonsense” that they are doing and promised to go after them.

“I have heard that some people want to rig elections and they have brought foreigners into the country because they know they can’t win.

“But let me warn them. I am watching you. When I am ready, I will go after you, Planning rigging is a crime and I will go after you big time, so you better stop the nonsense you are doing,” said Mutharika at Chirimba Township.

Vice President Saulos Chilima also made similar allegations against government during the launch of of the opposition UTM at Masitha ground last year.

But Emily Kamanga who is a social and political commentator said the rigging issue is getting stronger for people to ignore.

On Sunday, Mutharika’s tour took him to Machinjiri and Ndirande townships.

He urged people in the townships to give his DPP another five year term to complete projects which started in the first term.

Mutharika’s promises not fulfilled in the first term include Mangochi Airport, Mombera University, Mangochi Fisheries, 10000 police and army houses and new Chileka airport.

Speaking during the tour, DPP vice president for the southern region Kondwani Nankhumwa expressed confidence that Mutharika will win the May 21 election by a landslide.