By Alinafe Jimmy Mkwezalamba
Gerald Kapiseni Phiri has firmly denied allegations that he is barred from campaigning in his designated constituency, asserting that his competitors are spreading false information.
The aspiring member of parliament, who previously held the position, addressed these claims in an interview with Love FM.
Phiri accused his opponents of conspiring against him by falsely asserting that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has imposed a ban on his campaigning activities.
“These allegations are unfounded and are merely tactics to undermine my campaign,” he stated.
In a twist, James Manyetera, also aspiring for the same position expressed his surprise at the claims that he could be one of those spreading the rummours, emphasizing that he is focused solely on issue-based campaigning.
Speculation has arisen that Phiri, who is also the immediate past MP for Salima Central, has been prohibited from campaigning for a duration of two weeks.
However, Alinafe Chisenga, the Salima district elections officer for MEC, stated that there is no record of any such ban.
“We are not aware of any restrictions placed on any candidate in the district, and therefore we cannot comment further,” Chisenga clarified.
This situation comes as the MEC intensifies efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation concerning the upcoming general elections scheduled for September 16.
