By Burnett Munthali
The joint statement by Malawi’s former Presidents, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, is a historic and powerful moment of unity in defense of democracy. This unprecedented collaboration underscores the severity of the November 13, 2024, violence in Lilongwe, where peaceful protesters faced brutal suppression during demonstrations against the flawed registration process for the 2025 General Elections.
An assault on democracy
The former presidents rightly identify the violence as a direct attack on Malawi’s democratic principles, particularly the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Section 38 of the Constitution. This act of brutality highlights a troubling trend of shrinking civic space, where citizens’ fundamental rights are increasingly undermined. The violence, reportedly witnessed by the police, also raises serious questions about the state’s role and complicity in suppressing dissent.
Call for accountability
The demand for immediate investigations and prosecutions is a crucial step toward restoring public trust. The availability of video evidence makes it imperative for the Inspector General of Police to act decisively. Failure to address this issue risks entrenching a culture of impunity, eroding confidence in law enforcement and governance institutions.
Electoral integrity under threat
The statement emphasizes the need for transparency and fairness in the voter registration process. The concerns about Smartmatic’s involvement and the National Registration Bureau’s (NRB) inefficiency are particularly damning. If unresolved, these issues could compromise the integrity of the 2025 General Elections, threatening Malawi’s democratic foundation.
The former presidents’ call for the NRB to comply with the court ruling mandating the issuance of Mzika cards to all eligible voters is crucial. The ongoing voter suppression disproportionately affects marginalized groups, raising fears of systemic disenfranchisement. The demand for transparency in resolving the Election Management Devices (EMDs) issue further underscores the importance of a credible voters’ roll.
A united front against political violence
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this statement is the unity displayed by former leaders who have historically been political rivals. Their collective condemnation of the violence sends a strong message that democracy transcends party politics. It also places pressure on President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to take a clear stand against these actions and ensure accountability within their ranks.
The road ahead
As Malawi prepares for the 2025 General Elections, this statement serves as a clarion call for the government, electoral commission, and citizens to uphold democratic values. The former presidents’ recommendations, if implemented, could prevent further political violence and restore faith in the electoral process.
However, the government’s response will determine whether this moment of unity will translate into meaningful change or become another ignored plea in Malawi’s democratic history. President Chakwera must seize this opportunity to affirm his commitment to democracy by addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that such acts of violence are never repeated.
In these critical times, the collective voice of past leaders reminds us of the power of unity in safeguarding democracy. Whether this unity inspires tangible action remains to be seen.
