The main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP ) president, Peter Mutharika, on Thursday arrived in Mzuzu, where he is expected to hold a rally at a Katoto Freedom Park in the city tomorrow.
Addressing the DPP supporters who were clad in party colours at Jenda Trading Centre and Mzuzu, Mutharika said he is optimistic that the party will win all parliamentary seats in the forthcoming general elections.
“I am happy to be here in the northern region, especially here at Jenda Trading Center because, as you are aware, this trading centre was developed by DPP,” said Mutharika, who further said he is in the region for a chat, not politics.
Security fears
The party has raised security concerns for it’s supporters following a political rally which the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has also organized at Ekwenden trading center tomorrow.
DPP secretary general Peter Mukhito said this coinciding event may cause unnecessary tension between the two parties, as well as logistical challenges for their respective supporters.
“As you may be aware, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has planned a rally at Katoto Freedom Park in Mzuzu City this coming Saturday, immediately following our convention. This rally is crucial for our members, particularly those coming from Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, and Mzimba North, many of whom will be travelling through Ekwendeni to attend.
It has come to our attention, with some concern, that the MCP has also scheduled a rally at Ekwendeni Trading Centre in Mzimba on the same day. Given the proximity of Ekwendeni to Mzuzu and its strategic importance, this coinciding event may cause unnecessary tension between our parties, as well as logistical challenges for our respective supporters.
“We sincerely believe in maintaining a peaceful and cooperative political environment, and we hope this scheduling is a mere coincidence rather than an intentional act to create conflict. With that in mind, we kindly request that you consider this matter and explore the possibility of adjusting the timing or location of the MCP rally to avoid any potential strain between our parties,” said Mukhito in an open letter to MCP secretary general, Richard Chimwendo Banda.
MCP is yet to respond on the concerns raised.
