NICE public trust bemoans politicization of covid-19 fight

Since Malawi registered first cases of covid-19 last month, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and opposition parties have been accusing each other of politicizing the pandemic to gain political mileage as presidential election nears.

National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) public trust has asked politicians in Malawi to demonstrate unity in a work to fight the deadly corona virus that has claimed lives across the globe.

During a meeting with Social Welfare Committee of parliament, NICE Executive Director Ollen Mwaungulu told the committee that the office of the president and cabinet needs to be proactive and join forces with political opponents in the fight against the covid-19.

Mwaluwungu said the way government through the ministerial committee is managing the efforts to combat the coronavirus leaves a lot to be desired.

He said political leaders need to be in the forefront in uniting Malawians in the efforts.

“We should not pretend, the country is politically divided from 3rd February court ruling. Even now the current mood is about fresh elections. Our political leaders have not been talking to each other. We are appealing to them that they should stand up and be appreciated,” said Mwaluwungu in an interview with Zodiak on Thursday.

NICE also asked for inclusiveness in the fight against the covid-19 wondering why very important stakeholders are not being involved.

On plans to impose a lockdown, NICE public trust wants authorities to first analyse how the initiative can affect poor Malawians.

On preparations for the coming presidential election, NICE public trust says challenges which include questions on the credibility of the current cohort of commissioners of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), violence during first phase of voter registration and rumours on blood sucking have frustrated the process.

However, Mwaluwungu said the organization is ready to combine covid-19 awareness campaign with civic and voter education when reaching out to Malawians.

The committee planned to meet the special cabinet committee on coronavirus in Lilongwe on Thursday.