By Pemphero Malimba:
The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) are engaging in a blame game over cases of political violence in the country.
This follows the alleged torching of a vehicle, reportedly belonging to DPP members, at Mponela Trading Centre in Dowa District on Sunday.
Reports indicate that the incident happened as DPP members were coming from Ntchisi District, where DPP Central Region vice president Alfred Gangata had presided over a political rally.
In a video circulating on social media, DPP youth director Norman Chisale is heard accusing MCP of having a hand in the incident.
Chisale also accuses the Malawi Police Service of failing to act on a tip pertaining to a planned attack on DPP members on Sunday.
DPP national publicity secretary Shadric Namalomba told The Daily Times Monday that the torching of the vehicle was a clear indication of “MCP’s violent tendencies”.
“The DNA [deoxynucleic acid] of MCP seems to be one of the violence, theft and silencing critics. This is a stark contrast to what a truly democratic party should stand for, which is promoting peace, respecting the rule of law and fostering healthy and constructive political discourse,” Namalomba said.
He challenged the MCP leadership to understand that violence was a sign of weakness as well as lack of confidence in its own capabilities.
“It is a desperate attempt to cling to power and a clear indication that they have failed to win the hearts and minds of the people through their policies and actions,” Namalomba said.
He said the party was geared to promote a violence-free campaign ahead of the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in a truly democratic society and should not be used as a means to an end. It is extremely disappointing to see that the MCP has, once again, resorted to using violence as a political tool. We deplore this behaviour and condemn the inaction of the police in dealing with these acts,” he said.
MSONDA—It is alleged, and believed, that the DPP staged that incident
However, MCP deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda described DPP’s sentiments as “mere propaganda”.
“Truth [must] be told to shame the devil and DPP propagandists in Malawi. DPP is good at dirty propaganda to seek public attention and sympathy. It is alleged that the torching of the vehicle was done by DPP leaders themselves,” Msonda said.
He alleged that the party had torched the vehicle to dent the image of the MCP.
“Remember, there is a very tense division, hatred, frustrations, disgruntlement and anger among DPP leaders at all levels, be it at presidential, parliamentary and Local Government elections level in terms of who has to represent the party during the forthcoming Septemb
