DPP condemns anti-Mec demonstrations

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has re-iterated its claims that the ongoing political impasse is calculated to overthrow President Peter Mutharika’s government.

DPP Southern Region governor, Charles Mchacha, said this Thursday at a press briefing he addressed at the party’s regional offices in Blantyre.

Mchacha said DPP supporters were being victimised during the anti-Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah demonstrations.

“They [Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC)] and the opposition] are on a project for regime-change and they are simply using Justice Dr Jane Ansah as a scapegoat. As DPP, we wish to warn you that we are monitoring all your moves and you will not succeed,” he said.

Mchacha said although the party’s supporters were allegedly being targeted during demonstrations, they would, on Mutharika’s piece of advice, remain peaceful.

“We will not sit back and see you unleash pain and violence on our members. We will fight back through the law. We will not let you go scot-free when you are damaging the development and infrastructure projects championed by DPP and President Mutharika,” said Mchacha, who was flanked by DPP Southern Region women director Bertha Nachuma and Youth Director Yona Mlotha.

But HRDC Vice Chairperson, Gift Trapence, said they did not have a hidden agenda apart from calling for Ansah’s resignation and a more professional Mec.

He said the fact that some political parties take part in the protests does not make the coalition a political organisation, saying everyone, including DPP officials, were welcome to take part in the demonstrations.

“We have always been open with our demands that we want Justice Dr Jane Ansah to step down and that we want to see a more professional Mec. Those political leaders you see are the ones who also want a more professional body to be managing elections in the country,” he said.