By Suleman Chitera – Lilongwe, Malawi
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Central Region vice-president Alfred Gangata has announced the postponement of the anti-violence demonstrations he initially planned to lead on Friday, citing the ongoing Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
The decision comes at the conclusion of a two-day dialogue with civil society organisations, which aimed at creating a peaceful environment for students writing their final secondary school exams.
Speaking to reporters earlier today, Gangata explained that while the right to protest remains vital, he recognizes the importance of prioritizing young people’s education during this critical period.
“We have postponed the demonstrations until students are done sitting for the examinations,” he said. “We will hold the protests after the exams. I am a youthful politician and many of the candidates in the exams are youth as well. I decided that I should not be selfish but I need to support them regardless of my right to holding peaceful demonstrations.”
Gangata initially announced plans to lead the demonstrations earlier this week in response to what he described as growing incidents of violence and intimidation, which he claimed were infringing on citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, particularly in the capital, Lilongwe.
The now-rescheduled protests are expected to resume after the MSCE exams, with Gangata emphasizing that the core message remains unchanged: ending intimidation and reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations.
Civil society groups who engaged Gangata in the discussions have commended the decision, describing it as a responsible gesture that balances democratic rights with the educational interests of Malawian youth.
