The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has joined in condemning the politically motivated violence that occurred on Sunday in Mponela, where a vehicle belonging to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was set ablaze.

In a statement jointly signed by MLS Chairperson Davis Njobvu and Honorary Secretary Francis M’mene, the society described the incident as a serious affront to the integrity of the country’s democratic processes.

The statement emphasized that such acts violate fundamental constitutional rights, including the rights to life, security, and political participation.

”The barbaric behaviour has the potential to undermine the credibility of the electoral process by intimidating voters, infringing on their constitutional right to vote freely, disrupting lawful campaign activities, and eroding public trust in institutions that uphold democratic norms,” the statement reads.

The MLS further noted that while the Malawi Police Service (MPS) has the authority to investigate, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators of such violence, it has at times failed to act swiftly and effectively in handling reported incidents.

The society has therefore called on the MPS to maintain its independence and ensure the protection of the public and their rights, in line with the Constitution and applicable laws.

MLS has urged President Lazarus Chakwera to exercise his constitutional mandate to safeguard the security and well-being of all Malawians ahead of the upcoming elections.

The society emphasized the need for the President to prioritize peace and national unity and take decisive action to curb the rise of political violence across the country.