APM presentation scares schools
Some schools in Blantyre City have today suspended classes in anticipation of traffic congestion and other unexplained inconveniences as President Peter Mutharika is set to present nomination papers to Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) for his re-election bid.
Mutharika is scheduled to present his papers and unveil a running mate to MEC officials at Chichiri International Conference Centre, aka Comesa Hall, at 2pm.
Ironically, MEC started receiving nomination papers at the venue from presidential aspirants representing political parties and independents on Monday, but normal business flourished in the city albeit with traffic congestion on some days.
However, the schools and other businesses might have been scared by a post circulating on social media that Mutharika’s parade would impact on traffic. Last night some travellers told The Nation they saw truckloads of DPP supporters heading to Blantyre from places such as Nsanje, Chikwawa and Mwanza.
The Nation saw notices from schools such as Growing Star Montessori primary and nursery, Southend primary and secondary school, Royal Heritage Academy, Joyce Banda Foundation and St Andrew’s International High School to parents and guardians that they would not be operating normally.
When asked on what impression the panic expressed by some day schools and businesses gives of the conduct of the governing party and its supporters, DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi,in a written response yesterday, said the responsibility of managing traffic and crowds at public events lies with police.
He said: “We expect a multitude to throng the city tomorrow as we escort our leader to present his nomination papers. As a party, we will ensure there is no violence from our members.” n
