By Blessings Chatha
Political analysts have cautioned the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to stop uttering unjustifiable and sensitive claims that the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is plotting to rig the September 16 General Elections.
The analysts have warned that such claims have the potential to incite violence and undermine the electoral process.
The DPP’s national youth director, Norman Chisale, claimed over the weekend at a rally in Lilongwe that if the governing MCP attempts to rig the elections, it would meet its match in him because he also knows how to rig elections.
Chisale even challenged that he has all the expertise to alter the electoral outcome.
A Mzuzu-based political analyst, Bernard Matchumbuza, said Chisale’s remarks are dangerous and could lead to chaos and violence.
He argued that the DPP is aware it lacks the capacity to win the forthcoming elections and is deliberately creating such lies to use as an excuse when they lose.
“Good thing is that well-meaning Malawians are aware DPP is running a failed propaganda. Their attempt to rig the 2019 elections through the use of tippex failed,” said Matchumbuza.
“Even the claims that Chisale is an expert at rigging elections are empty and without basis. He cannot rig elections, he does not have that capacity.
“His plan is to steal money from the DPP president Arthur Peter Mutharika. He wants to lie to him that it is possible to rig and demand money to enable him to execute that evil plan. He wants to simply pocket that money. This man is a fraudster,” he said.
He said it was completely unfair to make false claims against the governing MCP, which is working hard and putting up a smart campaign to win the polls.
Another political analyst, Lonjezo Maseko, warned Chisale and the DPP to desist from spreading falsehoods during the campaign period. He emphasised that political leaders must mind their tongues and avoid making inflammatory remarks.
“Let them go out to rallies and sell their parties based on real facts, not such lies. They know they have nothing to offer Malawians and they have resorted to telling lies. They must be responsible enough,” said Maseko.
Another political analyst based in Blantyre, Sipho Chilemba, said false claims of election rigging can have far-reaching consequences, threatening the stability and integrity of democratic processes.
He said such allegations, when unfounded, can erode public trust in electoral systems, making it difficult for citizens to accept legitimate outcomes.
This distrust can lead to widespread discontent and even civil unrest.
“In fact, baseless accusations can incite violence among supporters of political parties, creating an environment of fear and hostility. In extreme cases, this can escalate into clashes that harm innocent civilians and disrupt societal harmony.
“The propagation of false rigging claims also undermines the efforts of electoral bodies and stakeholders who work tirelessly to ensure free and fair elections. It tarnishes their credibility and casts doubt on their ability to conduct transparent polls,” said Chilemba.
The political analyst said political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the principles of democracy by refraining from making inflammatory statements. Instead, he said, they should focus on presenting their policies and engaging in constructive dialogue with voters.
“Ultimately, the spread of false rigging claims is a disservice to the nation. It distracts from the real issues that need addressing and jeopardises the democratic values that Malawians hold dear. Responsible leadership and truthful communication are essential to fostering unity and progress during election periods,” he said.