Analysts condemn Atupele’s remarks
Political analysts have condemned Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance running mate Atupele Muluzi’s remarks on Saturday during his whistle-stop tour of the Eastern Region that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was a ‘crocodile’ party.
Atupele made the remarks at Mangochi Roundabout after previously addressing hundreds of UDF/DPP supporters at Thondwe Trading Centre, Zomba, Chinamwali, Namwera Turn-Off, Liwonde, Mangochi Turn-Off, Ulongwe and Chimwala.
This was his maiden tour two days after he and President Peter Mutharika, who is the alliance’s presidential candidate, presented their nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre.
However, when he addressed a rally at Mangochi Roundabout, he castigated the main opposition MCP calling it a “crocodile one” and that it will kill people once it takes over government.
“Please don’t vote for MCP because it is a crocodile party masquerading as good saints, but will devour or pounce on you once it takes over government,” he said in his 30-minute address.
Reacting to Atupele’s attack, MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka warned the DPP-UDF alliance running mate to be careful with his choice of words.
“He has to know that the crocodile he is referring to is his own father [Bakili Muluzi] because he was in-charge of such atrocities when he was in MCP during the one-party system,” he said.
The remarks, however, are in sharp contrast with the advice MEC chairperson Jane Ansah gave during the presentation of nominations papers by candidates.
She condemned hate speeches, saying they can incite violence during the campaign period.
In an interview yesterday, Chancellor College (Chanco) political commentator Ernest Thindwa faulted Atupele’s remarks.
“I thought leaders would utilise the period to sell themselves through issue-based campaign. Not talking ill about party A or B or candidate C or D. It’s very unfortunate,” he said.
Another political commentator from Chanco, Mustafa Hussein urged politicians to refrain from hate speech during the campaign period to avoid violence.
“He could have done better if he could tell people what their alliance will do when elected into government,” he said.
