The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi says it is concerned with the tendency by political leaders who hold press briefings in the presence of party supporters.

MISA- Malawi chairperson, Teresa Ndanga said that major political parties have not taken heed of their calls to keep to the confines of a press briefing from party supporters.

“MISA-Malawi commends political leaders who have been open to the media by among others calling for press conferences,” Ndanga said in a statement released on January 31, 2019.

However, MISA-Malawi said it is concerned that political parties including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and United Transformation Movement (UTM) have not taken into consideration their demand.

According to MISA Malawi, the said parties have continued to hold press conferences in the presence of party supporters which creates a hostile environment for journalists.

The media body has since recommended that press conferences should be limited to relevant officials and people directly responsible for the presser.

“MISA Malawi shall in future advise its membership to boycott such press briefings to ensure safety of its members,” the statement reads.