By Twink Jones Gadama
In a strong and united stance against the recent outbreak of violence in Lilongwe, former Malawian Presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika have issued a communique denouncing the assault on democracy and demanding urgent action.
The violence, which occurred on November 13, 2024, during peaceful demonstrations regarding the chaotic registration process for the upcoming 2025 General Elections, has been met with widespread condemnation from the former heads of state.
They emphasized that such actions not only violate the principles of justice and order but also pose a direct threat to the democratic values of the nation.
Citing the Malawian Constitution, as well as international treaties and agreements under the United Nations, the African Union, and the SADC, the former presidents highlighted the importance of free and fair elections, integrity in electoral processes, respect for the rule of law, and protection of human rights, including freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
The communique outlined specific demands, including the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators of the violence by the Inspector General of Police.
It also called upon President Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party to condemn the violence unequivocally and take steps to prevent its recurrence in the future.
Furthermore, the former presidents urged the Malawi Electoral Commission to review its decisions leading to the crisis, particularly regarding the controversial Smartmatic system and voter suppression issues related to the National Registration Bureau’s failure to issue Mzika cards to all eligible voters.
Transparency and conflict resolution were emphasized as crucial aspects that the Commission must prioritize.
The National Registration Bureau was also called upon to comply with a court ruling mandating its presence at all registration centers and ensure timely issuance of Mzika cards to eligible citizens.
Concerns were raised about technical issues with the Election Management Devices failing to register new voters accurately, potentially compromising the integrity of the voters’ roll.
In conclusion, the former presidents emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that action must be taken promptly to uphold democracy in Malawi.
The call for accountability, transparency, and respect for constitutional rights echoed strongly throughout the communique, signaling a united front against violence and injustice in the country.
The time for action is now, as democracy in Malawi stands at a critical juncture, demanding unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and freedom for all citizens.
