By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe, Malawi
“There are nine ways to kill a cat,” said Sylvester Namiwa, Executive Director of the Citizens for Credible Elections (CFCE), as he defended his organization’s decision to hold nationwide demonstrations on Thursday, aimed at pressuring top officials of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to resign.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Namiwa responded to questions on why CFCE is prioritizing street protests instead of seeking redress through the courts, especially considering MEC operates under established laws. He said peaceful demonstrations remain one of the legitimate, constitutionally provided avenues for Malawians to express their grievances to those in power.
“These protests are not just an outburst — they are a lawful way for citizens to demand accountability and change,” Namiwa emphasized.
The demonstrations are scheduled to take place simultaneously in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Mangochi. The central demand is for MEC Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja and the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mpesi to step down.
According to CFCE, the call for resignation is rooted in concerns over the integrity and credibility of MEC’s operations. The organization is also pushing for a special forensic audit of the electoral system — a demand that has also been echoed by several opposition parties. However, MEC has repeatedly declined the request.
CFCE argues that the failure to address these concerns poses a threat to the transparency and fairness of future elections in Malawi.
As the day of the protests approaches, eyes will be on how authorities respond, and whether the demonstrations will pressure MEC into action — or deepen the growing tensions between electoral stakeholders.
