CSOs team up with political parties against violence – Capital Radio Malawi
13 February, 2025

CSOs team up with political parties against violence

File photo. Credit: Internet

Malawi’s political leaders are once again speaking out against violence and hate speech as the country prepares for the September 6 general elections.

The United Democratic Front – UDF has strongly condemned recent incidents of political violence, including an attack on women in Ndirande Township, Blantyre, who were wearing Malawi Congress Party -MCP regalia.

UDF national publicity secretary Dyson Jangiya described these acts as “deeply troubling” and emphasized that women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Jangiya also highlighted another incident involving a Democratic Progressive Party -DPP supporter who was injured, stressing that such violence is degrading to women.

The statement reads: “As a society, degrading women—who are our mothers, sisters, and daughters—should never be tolerated. Women deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.”

The general secretary also highlighted the importance of observing human rights accorded to women and their right to participate in politics as well as freedom of association and affiliation with any party of their choice.

The party further reiterated that every Malawian has the constitutional right to associate with any political party and express themselves freely.

The statement further stated that: “Every Malawian has a constitutional right to freely associate with any political party and express themselves, whether through speech or attire. Such acts of political violence and intolerance are wholly unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Gender Jean Sendeza has also condemned violence against women in politics, urging collective efforts to ensure their safety and participation.

Sendeza emphasized the importance of unity among women to combat election-related violence.

“It is my plea that women should work together during this campaign period. Women in this country should be allowed to express themselves freely without being hindered,” Sendeza said.

As the country moves closer to the elections, there is a growing need for political leaders to promote peaceful and respectful coexistence among their supporters.

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People’s Party (PP), UTM, and the United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders were present at the meeting including various Civil Society Organisations which guard women’s human rights.

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