Africa-Press – Malawi. Once ex-president Lazarus Chakwera and his state employees vacated the state residences, it was uncovered that the houses had been damaged. Windows and toilets were broken, walls were smeared with faeces, and vulgar language was written on them. What actions can be taken to address the culprits at this time? What preventative measures can be put in place to prevent similar occurrences during future transitions of power in Malawi?
In fact, dealing with vandalism and ensuring the integrity of state properties during transitions of power is crucial for maintaining respect for public institutions as far as Malawi democracy is concerned.
First, there is a need to engage law enforcement agencies to investigate the vandalism, identify culprits, and gather evidence. Consequently, legal action must be pursued against those found responsible for the vandalism, including potential prosecution for criminal damage.
Proactively, a campaign needs to be launched to inform the public about the importance of respecting state properties and the consequences of vandalism.
Additionally, government is urged to work with civil society organizations to promote respect for public property and engage communities in discussions about the importance of maintaining state assets.
It is also of paramount importance to urgently allocate funds for the immediate repair and restoration of the damaged state residences to restore their condition.
For future reference, the extent of the damage must be thoroughly documented for accountability and transparency.
As a preventive measure, laws regarding vandalism and destruction of public property must be reviewed to ensure that they are stringent and include severe penalties to deter potential offenders.
Furthermore, clear protocols for the transition of power that include guidelines for the treatment of state properties must be formulated and religiously implemented.
To ensure accountability and transparency, thorough inventories and condition assessments of state properties must be conducted before and after transitions to hold parties accountable.
Additionally , security measures during transitions must be enhanced, including surveillance and the presence of law enforcement at state residences. One measure is to limit access to state properties during the transition period to authorized personnel only.
It is further advised that political parties and their leaders must be obligated to sign agreements that commit to respecting state properties during transitions and to denounce vandalism.
In conclusion , by implementing these measures, Malawi can work towards ensuring that state properties are respected and protected during political transitions, fostering a culture of accountability and civic responsibility.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author, Rick Dzida ([email protected]), and do not necessarily reflect those of Malawi24 or its editorial team.
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