David Ndakwa Says He Chose Restraint as Malava By-Election Tensions Rise

Tension was evident across Malava on Thursday, November 27, as voters streamed into polling stations for a by-election that had already been marked by accusations of hostility and political pressure. 

Both candidates and residents spoke of an unusually heated environment, with fears that the situation could easily escalate if not handled with caution.

UDA candidate David Ndakwa, speaking shortly after casting his vote, said he has made a personal decision to remain calm throughout the campaign period. 

He said this choice did not come easily, as he had faced persistent provocation from rival camps from the first day of campaigns up to election day.

Ndakwa explained that he had been insulted, taunted, and pushed repeatedly, but he refused to react because Malava deserved peace more than political drama.

He said that even some of the leaders supporting him had been targeted, including MCAs and Members of Parliament. Despite this, he urged them to stay calm and avoid confrontation.

According to Ndakwa, responding to provocation would only distract voters and create unnecessary fear among residents who simply wanted to elect their preferred representative.

“There has been a lot of abuse and attempts to provoke fights,” he said. 

“But I chose not to respond. I have also asked my team not to engage in any form of violence. This election will be won peacefully.”

The UDA candidate said his focus has been to show leadership by keeping peace and demonstrating humility, even when under pressure. 

He added that he avoided mentioning his competitors during campaigns and deliberately stayed away from their strongholds to prevent clashes.

He said leadership should be about protecting people, not exposing them to danger.

“People should not suffer for me to become their leader,” Ndakwa said. 

“My responsibility is to safeguard peace and show respect to all candidates and supporters.”

While Ndakwa maintained a calm approach, the political climate shifted after an incident involving his main challenger, DAP-K’s Seth Panyako. 

On Wednesday night, Panyako reported that a group of unknown individuals attacked his Down Hill hotel, where he was staying with his family.

On Thursday morning, Panyako spoke to journalists, describing the incident as a direct attempt on his life. 

He said the attackers found him inside the hotel, which was also serving as his personal tallying centre, and claimed that the aim of the attack was to harm him and intimidate his supporters.

Panyako linked the alleged attack to a poll suggesting he was leading the race.

“I believe the intention was to eliminate me and my wife,” he said. 

“According to a poll conducted yesterday, I was at 75 percent while my opponent was at 24 percent. That is why they wanted to stop me.”

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa condemned the incident strongly. In a statement, he accused state agencies of working together to disrupt the by-election and intimidate opposition candidates.

He said the party had warned earlier about possible attempts to interfere with the process, including violence, ballot stuffing, and the use of hired groups to scare voters.

Wamalwa urged supporters not to be discouraged but to come out and vote peacefully. He said the people of Malava had the power to decide the outcome regardless of any intimidation.

Security in the area was tightened as police officers patrolled polling stations to maintain order. 

Residents expressed mixed feelings—some said they felt safe, while others feared the tension could flare up if leaders did not control their supporters.

Ndakwa maintained that Malava needed peace above everything else. He encouraged voters to ignore provocations, stay calm, and choose leaders through the ballot rather than through confrontation.