Sidik Mia spits fire
By Jameson Chauluka:
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) first vice president, Sidik Mia, has warned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)- led administration against disturbing the main opposition party’s rallies in the build up to the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.
Mia was speaking at a rally in Zomba Nsondole on Sunday.
He was reacting to reports that, earlier in the day, police tried to block the rally, saying President Peter Mutharika was going to pass through the Zomba-Mangochi Road later in the day.
Mia described the development as unfortunate, saying the country adopted multiparty democracy in 1994 and, as such, any political party, including MCP, should be free to campaign.
“This place is many kilometres away from the main road where the President was going to pass through. What has this rally to do with his trip? Democracy is for all of us and we must campaign freely. We will not be intimidated by anyone, whether you keep tear-gassing us or not,” he said.
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Police stopped the rally, arguing that it posed a security threat to Mutharika.
Mia then promised people of Zomba Nsondole Constituency and the entire country several development projects once voted into power.
Eastern Region Police spokesperson, Joseph Sauka, said he was not aware that police officers were involved in physical confrontation with MCP supporters in the district.
A few weeks ago, MCP was forced to change dates for its rally in Mangochi as it coincided with Mutharika’s diary.
In June, Mia was tear-gassed by police in Blantyre for allegedly meeting Blantyre vendors without seeking permission.
Before he addressed Zomba people, Mia attended a fundraising service at Destiny Ministries International in Balaka District.
He also commissioned a solar powered water pump he drilled in Masambuka Village, Traditional Authority Malemia, in Zomba.
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