BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government under Peter Mutharika navigates the complexities of governance, it’s worth examining one aspect of the former ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government’s approach that could offer valuable insights – the management of public demonstrations.

While the MCP’s tenure was marked by controversy, its strategy to control demonstrations is a tactic the DPP could consider adopting to maintain stability and protect public property.

During Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s reign as MCP president, the government took a firm stance on public demonstrations, making it clear that they would not be tolerated.

The MCP ensured that the police were preoccupied with other issues, effectively limiting their availability to provide security for demonstrators.

As a result, opposition parties found themselves with little space to hold demonstrations, and their rights to protest were significantly curtailed.

While this approach may seem restrictive, it did have one notable benefit – it prevented the destruction of public property that often accompanies large-scale demonstrations.

In a country where public resources are scarce, protecting infrastructure and maintaining order is crucial for development.

The DPP government could learn from the MCP’s playbook on this issue. By implementing similar measures to control demonstrations, the DPP could minimize disruptions and safeguard public assets.

This is not to suggest that the MCP’s overall governance was exemplary, but rather that this specific tactic has merit in maintaining stability.

It’s essential to acknowledge that the MCP’s approach to demonstrations was not without controversy, and human rights advocates may argue that it infringed upon citizens’ rights to protest.

However, in the context of Malawi’s fragile infrastructure and limited resources, the DPP government might consider adopting a similar strategy to balance the right to demonstrate with the need to protect public property.

The MCP’s approach was straightforward: make it clear that demonstrations would not be tolerated, and ensure that the police were not available to provide security for such events.

This effectively squeezed the opposition’s ability to demonstrate, but it also maintained order and prevented destruction.

The DPP government should take note of this strategy and consider implementing similar measures.

By doing so, they may find that they can maintain stability and protect public assets, ultimately benefiting the country as a whole.

Not all that the MCP did was bad, and in this instance, the DPP can borrow a leaf from their book to ensure a more stable governance.

In conclusion, while the MCP’s governance had its flaws, their approach to controlling demonstrations is worth considering.

The DPP government should examine this tactic and adapt it to suit their needs, prioritizing stability and the protection of public property.

By doing so, they may find that they can navigate the complexities of governance more effectively, and Malawi can move forward with greater stability.

The Maravi Post