Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enock Chihana is under fire for his tribalistic remarks against the Chewas.
During the opposition parties presser in Lilongwe, Chihana, a northerner, spoke against the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) use of Smartmatic International Holding’s election management devices and election system management software for the September 16 General Elections.
“Ngati akufuna kugwilitsa ntchito Smartmatic system, akagwilitse ntchito ku dambwe komweko,” he said
Chihana was referring to Gulewamkulu, a traditional dance for the Chewa tribe, which is dominant in central Malawi, where the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) enjoys massive support.
Commenting on the issue, one of the Malawians, Charles Chirwa, said the remarks are not befitting someone who is vying for the country’s presidency.
“He is showing his true colours. Politics aside, there was no need to attack some tribes, what kind of a president will he be if elected, maybe that’s why his party’s top position is held by northerners,” said Chirwa, a businessman
AFORD’s vice president is Timothy Mtambo, who comes from Chitipa, in the northern region.
Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) chairperson Dick Chatanga on Thursday gave Chihana 72 hours to apologize.
“If he will not, then we will have no choice but to drag him to the dambwe for him to have first-hand information about it.
“As a leader and someone who is vying for the country’s topmost position, he was supposed to be respecting our traditions. A leader should not be tribalistic, must preach peace and unity,” he said
