By Burnett Munthali
A grouping calling itself Citizens for Credible Elections (CfCE) has written a formal notification to the Lilongwe District Commissioner, informing the government office of its intention to hold a public protest on June 26.
The protest is aimed at demanding the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and the commission’s Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.
According to CfCE, the two officials are allegedly heavily compromised due to their close ties with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
The group argues that Mtalimanja and Mpesi are incapable of managing a credible electoral process because of what it describes as their “visible political stains.”
In the letter addressed to the District Commissioner, Lawford Palani stated that the insistence by MEC to proceed with the use of Smartmatic technology for the elections, despite objections from several stakeholders, is a clear indication of underlying motives.
The letter emphasized that this unwavering position by MEC points to a predetermined agenda, thus raising serious concerns about electoral fairness and transparency.
“Just to remind you, protesting is our constitutional right enshrined in the supreme laws of this country. Therefore, this letter is not a request but a notification to enable your office to make the necessary preparations,” reads one part of the letter.
The letter has been signed by Sylvester Namiwa, Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), alongside three other individuals.
CfCE is expected to move forward with its planned demonstration unless the authorities address their concerns and act on the demand for the two MEC officials to step down.
