As Malawi headed for the September 16 general election, political temperatures have risen, with former President Peter Mutarika and Malawi Congressional Party (MCP) executive director Richard Chimwend Banda being locked in a fierce war of words over a surge in political violence.
Mutarika, who leads the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), spoke at a press conference from Mangochi Beachside mansion on Wednesday, accusing the ruling MCP of coordinating a campaign of threats at its central region’s bases. He even selected Chimwend Banda and President Lazaro Chakwera as key enablers of violence, but did not provide evidence to support the claim.
“Human rights are being trampled on,” Mutarika declared, urging him to speak boldly to the faith community, civil society and other stakeholders.
However, a quick rebuttal from a phone interview led Chimwendbanda to fight back, urging him to clean his house first inside his party before pointing his finger at Mutarika.
“He must start by denouncement of NGC members for calling for violence against MCP supporters.
“We, like President Chakwera, are strongly condemning political violence.”
The exchange comes with violent clashes between Ntchisi and Mponela. Two weeks ago, the DPP motorcade was attacked with Ntchisi. Then last weekend, the minibus that took DPP supporters to a rally in Dwa was torched by an unidentified attacker. Police say an investigation is ongoing.
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Mutarika argues that these cases are part of a broader campaign to turn parts of the central region into “no-go zones” of opposition. Meanwhile, Chakwera has previously denounced violence and sought peace, but tensions continue to boil down.
Beyond the violence, Mutarika used the briefing to express her dissatisfaction with the Malawi Election Commission (MEC) decision, to stick to SmartMatic for its election skills, and to express concern over the suspension of the IMF’s extended credit facility (ECF).
DPP Vice President (South) Joseph Mwanambeka warned that halting the ECF could exacerbate the economic distress in Malawi, causing a forex shortage, further devaluation, inflation, and scarcity of drugs and fuels.
“Poverty escalates. The Malawians will suffer,” warned Mwanambekah.
The battle line is clearly drawn when the clock carries on election day – the intensification of political rhetoric and the stakes for Malawi’s future to grow higher and higher.
