We are not intimidated— Lazarus Chakwera
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Lazarus Chakwera has said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led administration is failing to uphold the constitution of the country by imposing threats on citizens.
Addressing the media Saturday, Chakwera said instead of providing security to the citizenry, government is busy ‘illegally’ drafting new and arbitrary laws without going through Parliament.
“When they should be guaranteeing the safety and security of peaceful demonstrators next week, they are instead threatening to attack them, arrest them and block their access to public places that exist by their will and run by their taxes,” he said.
Chakwera’s remarks follow recent order by President Peter Mutharika to Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service to use necessary force to stop demonstrations targeting airports and borders of the country.
Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi on Friday issued subsidiary legislations, which made extensions to protected places where demonstrations should not be held.
The MCP leader further condemned recent acts of terror through petrol bombing of the party’s infrastructure and individual properties, accusing the police of failing to investigate the crimes.
“I therefore wish to state in no uncertain terms to the tippex mercenaries who have been attacking us with teargas and petrol bombs and to the tippex regime that is threatening to attack citizens with force: We are not intimidated, we are not deterred, we are not retreating, and you will not get away with it,” he said.
Chakwera clarified that the party is not working in partnership with Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) on the demonstrations but said the coalition defends the rights of citizens of the country, who include members of the party.
Taking his turn, MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka said issues of demonstrations involve legalities hence anyone against them should fight within the law.
The High Court has since restrained HRDC and anyone from holding demonstrations in airports and borders, which has seen the human right defenders now declaring two million-man protests from Wednesday to Friday this week.
Since the announcement on May 27 this year by Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah declaring President Peter Mutharika winner of the presidential contest during May 21 Tripartite Elections, there has been unrest in the country fuelled by demonstrations by those who feel the electoral results management process was compromised.
Chakwera and his UTM counterpart Saulos Chilima also petitioned the courts, seeking to have the results annulled and hearing on the matter by a five member panel of judges at the Constitutional Court, continues on September 3.
