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UDF candidate in the Ntcheu South by-election Thomas Machado was arrested on Thursday on allegations that he insulted his fellow candidate at a campaign rally he addressed in the constituency.
UDF spokesman Salule Masangwi said Friday the party was surprised by police’s move to arrest the candidate on the matter.
“We’re not saying we support the use of offensive language but one does not get arrested for doing that. This is really amazing,” said Masangwi.
He said the UDF was also “shocked” that Machado has been taken to Lilongwe when there is a police station in Ntcheu.
“What government is doing can easily be taken as intimidation. All that is happening is suspicious,” said Masangwi.
He said what has been done is “like using an axe to kill an ant”.
Ntcheu district commissioner Hamisi Twabi, who is Electoral Commission returning officer, said he was told by police on Thursday that Machado was being taken to Lilongwe for questioning.
He said the issue dates back before the May 20 elections when Machado and Ted Kamchacha, the other candidate who is alleging to have been insulted were both independent candidates.
“I thought this was a civil matter when the issue was brought before me in May and I advised Mr. Kamchacha to sue,” said Twabi.
Deputy police public relations officer Kelvin Maigwa said he was yet to get information on the matter.
The by-elections in Ntcheu are among seven others scheduled for January 11, 2005, countrywide.
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