By Burnett Munthali
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has announced a peaceful demonstration set for Thursday, November 21, 2024, aimed at addressing the ongoing fuel crisis and raising concerns over electoral transparency in Malawi.
Sylvester Namiwa, CDEDI’s Executive Director, disclosed that the protests demand the resignation of Energy Minister Hon. Ibrahim Matola and the CEO of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), Mr. Henry Kachaje. Namiwa accused the two of mishandling a fuel crisis that has now stretched into its fifth week, disrupting daily life and critical sectors.
“The fuel shortage has paralyzed the local manufacturing industry, reduced revenue collection, and threatens massive job losses. Moreover, the health sector is strained, resulting in the loss of productive lives,” Namiwa stated.
Beyond the fuel crisis, CDEDI is also voicing concerns about the National Registration Bureau (NRB) and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC). Namiwa criticized MEC’s decision to hire Smartmatic, a company currently under investigation for bribery allegations in the Philippines, as part of preparations for the 2025 elections.
The demonstrations will begin at 09:30 AM from the Lilongwe Community Ground, proceed past Kamuzu Central Hospital, and conclude at the main entrance of Capital Hill.
Namiwa emphasized that peaceful protests are a constitutional right, clarifying that the notification to authorities was for logistical purposes and not a request for permission.
As CDEDI mobilizes Malawians to take a stand, the organization is calling for transparency and credibility in electoral processes while rejecting the perceived “mediocrity, impunity, and arrogance” of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.
With the looming protests, the spotlight is on how the government will respond to growing public dissatisfaction over governance, economic management, and electoral reforms.
