Violence irks Parliament
By Audrey Kapalamula:
Parliament has registered its frustration with continued cases of political violence in the country, saying they are stifling efforts of wooing women to participate in political space.
Speaker of Parliament, Richard Msowoya, Monday said such acts are detrimental to the country’s hard-earned democracy.
“It is sad to note that some of these acts are being perpetrated by fellow politicians who were supposed to set good examples. We do not want Malawi to end in anarchy because of [cases of] political intolerance caused by a few political operatives who seem to be above the law,” he said.
Msowoya made the remarks during a media briefing that Women Caucus of Parliament organised in Lilongwe where champion of HeforShe campaign and Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera was in attendance.
He cited a case of a UTM supporter who was assaulted in Mangochi District, torching of a motor vehicle for a Member of Parliament in April 2018 and other cases of intimidation and beating up of women in the ongoing party primary elections.
“We demand protection of all citizens of Malawi. We note that the violence is not only affecting women but men too. If you cannot protect us, as citizens, then please resign and let others, who can exercise the mandate of Malawi Police Service, serve the interest of Parliament,” he said.
Women Caucus in Parliament Chairperson, Jessie Kabwila, said political violence has affected many women.
“What this is telling women is that if you want to run for a political office or participate in a political rally, you will lose your marriage. It has a direct impact because everybody wants to be safe and have dignity. This must be dealt with speed,” she said
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