Rahim Elias, Deputy Leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), has voiced concerns and confusion over the police response, or lack thereof, during a recent demonstration. Elias questioned the origins of the police officers who were present at the protest site, noting their inaction as violent individuals attacked protestors seeking to exercise their right to demonstrate.
Elias expressed disappointment at the police’s failure to protect citizens exercising their democratic rights. “It’s astonishing that the police stood by while criminals assaulted demonstrators,” he remarked. Despite the frustrations, Elias stated that UDF remains committed to safeguarding democracy, a system introduced to Malawi by both the UDF and AFORD.
“It’s not that we lack the ability to respond, but the parties leading this charge will not tolerate any infringement on the democratic freedoms we fought for. Lilongwe does not belong to one person,” Elias affirmed.
In addition to criticizing the handling of the protests, Elias reiterated UDF’s stance on the electoral process, emphasizing their call for the removal of the technology company Smartmatic from involvement with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). He emphasized that UDF will continue to press MEC to dismiss Smartmatic, underscoring concerns about transparency and fairness in the upcoming 2025 elections.
