Maravi

Patrick warns of 2011 bloodbath

Patrick warns of 2011 bloodbath
By Ernest Chanda
Wed 11 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT [

LATE president Levy Mwanawasa's son Patrick has warned of a bloodbath during the 2011 general elections if the current political violence in the country is not controlled.

Featuring on MUVI Television's Matter At Hand programme in Lusaka yesterday, Patrick called on all political leaders not only to condemn violence but also put measures in place to stop the act.

"Our leaders, if they are really active, they should come out and condemn the violence and say this violence is wrong, let us stop it. One of the leaders has actually not said anything about this violence, they are just dodging the issue of political violence,” Patrick said.

“But if we are not careful in 2011 this violence we see now is going to escalate into a bloodbath."

And Patrick said his concerns about the situation in the MMD have been misunderstood by the party leadership. He said he meant well whenever he spoke about the shortcomings in the ruling party.

"I think the whole issue about me attacking the ruling party has been misunderstood. I'm not attacking, but I'm really concerned about the direction the party is taking and the strategy that we are going to adopt in 2011. Let it be known that I'm alive to the fact that one can make a mistake, but it would be folly for one to repeat the mistake," Patrick said.

Asked by the presenter if his intention to stand in Kafulafuta Constituency was meant to unsettle the current member of parliament George Mpombo, Patrick answered in the negative.

"Kafulafuta Constituency has got some historical and sentimental value to me and my family. You may know that Teka Farm, which is a family farm, is actually in the heart of Kafulafuta.

And even in 2006 I wanted to stand in Kafulafuta but my father told me to go elsewhere. So, it's not a case of taking on Honourable Mpombo. In fact, Honourable Mpombo has declared that he doesn't want to go for another term after 2011," said Patrick.

Labels: ELECTIONS, PATRICK MWANAWASA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 10:44 AM