DPP complains of violence in Dowa, Lilongwe

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has lodged a complaint with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that some of its supporters in Dowa and Lilongwe districts were allegedly intimidated by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM Party supporters.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the party’s administrative secretary Francis Mphepo, he alleges that MCP and UTM supporters demolished two houses belonging to DPP party followers in Dowa.

Reads the statement in part: “Suspected agents of UTM/MCP have demolished two houses belonging to DPP in the area of Sandulize in Senior Chief Kayembe and Mndolera in Dzoole.”

The statement further alleges that DPP monitors at Chioko Primary School in Lilongwe were intimidated.

In an interview yesterday, the party’s spokesperson Nicholas Dausi confirmed to have reported the matter to MEC.

He said MCP and UTM Party are showing their ugly colours of violence.

“I can confirm that we lodged a complaint with MEC on the violence against our supporters. I also have an audio where MCP/ UTM alliance wanted to kill our supporter,” said Dausi.

But Dowa Police spokesperson Gladson M’bumpha denied receiving any complaints from DPP about the incident.

“If I receive any report from the party, I will alert you,” he said.

On his part, Lilongwe Police Station spokesperson Joseph  Kachikho also said he was not aware that the party lodged a complaint with them.

When contacted, UTM Party spokesperson Joseph Chidanti Malunga said his party wanted to concentrate on voting and not talking about anything to the contrary.

On the other hand, MCP spokesperson the Reverend Maurice Munthali distanced his party from the incidents.

“How does the DPP know the ones who demolished the houses are MCP supporters?” he asked.