By Burnett Munthali
Concerned Citizens of the Malawi People Power Movement (CCM-PPM), in collaboration with the Malawi First Movement, have officially notified the Lilongwe District Council of their intention to hold a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Thursday, 5th June 2025.
The notification, addressed to the District Commissioner and copied to eight other national institutions and stakeholders, cites growing discontent over the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s conduct and decision-making in preparation for the 16th September 2025 general elections.
In the letter dated Monday, 26th May 2025, the organizers emphasize that the demonstration is in full conformity with Section 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which guarantees the right to assemble and express grievances peacefully.
At the heart of the grievances is MEC’s decision to deploy Electronic Management Devices (EMDs) supplied by Smartmatic, a move the protesters say disregards widespread public concern.
The organizers argue that Malawi is not technologically prepared to fully adopt such digital systems due to existing infrastructural limitations and the high levels of digital illiteracy in the country.
They further warn that the adoption of EMDs without adequate national consensus poses a serious risk to the credibility of the electoral process, heightening fears of manipulation and disenfranchisement.
In addition, the letter expresses strong disappointment with MEC’s refusal to engage independent external auditors to review the national voters’ roll.
According to the petitioners, a neutral and professional audit is a critical step toward ensuring transparency and building public trust ahead of the polls.
They caution that without this audit, suspicions of voter fraud and register manipulation will persist and cast doubt on the legitimacy of the elections.
Furthermore, the petitioners call for the immediate resignation of MEC Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Andrew Mpesi, accusing him of inefficiency and bias in executing his duties.
They allege that his continued leadership is a stumbling block to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Malawi.
The planned demonstration will begin at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe and proceed to the office of the District Commissioner, where the protestors intend to present their petition.
The organizers have assured that the demonstration will be peaceful and well-coordinated, with marshals designated to maintain order and work closely with the Malawi Police Service to ensure public safety.
They stress that their aim is not to incite violence or cause disruptions, but rather to express legitimate concerns about electoral integrity and governance.
However, they also issue a stern warning: if MEC fails to respond positively to their demands, they reserve the right to escalate their peaceful protests.
Among the potential actions mentioned is a nationwide shutdown of MEC offices, a step they say they will not hesitate to take should their voices continue to be ignored.
The notification is signed by Comrade Edward Kambanje, Chairperson of CCM-PPM, and Bon Elias Kalindo, National Coordinator of the Malawi First Movement, both of whom are known for their activism and public advocacy.
With the 2025 general elections looming, this development signals a growing wave of citizen engagement and pressure on electoral institutions to uphold transparency and fairness.
Whether MEC will respond to these calls remains to be seen, but the stage is now set for what could become a defining moment in Malawi’s democratic journey.
