Malawi Freedom Network

BY DRAXON MALOYA

The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) has expressed disappointment with the conduct of Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), accusing the body of intentionally interrupting television and radio signals whenever opposition parties are conducting political rallies.

AFORD has branded the actions of the regulatory body as a blatant violation of democratic rights and an attempt to stifle opposition voices in the country.

The recent controversy came on Labour Day when those monitoring the AFORD rally on radios and Zodiak Television Station experienced signal disruptions during live broadcast coverages of AFORD rally in the capital city, Lilongwe.

The alleged interruptions occurred at crucial moment, during speeches when political leaders were making significant announcements. AFORD suspects foul play and launched an investigation into the matter.

AFORD president, Enoch Chihana said, primary findings of the investigation reveals that the interruptions were not due to technical faults or natural causes, but rather a deliberate attempt by MACRA to silence opposition voices.

“The Alliance is outraged by this blatant abuse of power and we are calling on government to immediately address the issue,” said Chihana.

While voicing the concerns, Chihana also demanded an explanation from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority.

MACRA have always denied any wrongdoing claiming that the signal disruptions are simply a result of technical difficulties. However, the evidence gathered by AFORD clearly contradicts the claims.

A political science graduate from Witts University in South Africa, Lumbani Nyondo says AFORD should take the matter to court, file a formal complaint against MACRA for infringing on democratic rights and attempting to manipulate the media for political gains.

“The case will definitely attract widespread attention and public outcry, with many citizens joining them in condemning the actions of the regulatory body,” said Nyondo.

Another AFORD sympathizer in Chikwawa District, Ernest Vutani vowed to commence a legal battle, remaining steadfast in his pursuit of justice and accountability.

“Let’s refused to back down in the face of intimidation and continue to fight for the rights of opposition parties and the freedom of the press, the court will rule in our favour by ordering the regulatory authority to cease all interferences with radio or television signals during political events,” Vutani said.

He further said the victory will be a significant triumph for democracy in the country, sending a clear message that no entity – no matter how powerful – is above the law.

MACRA’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Sonani could not accept or refute AFORD accusations, requesting for a little bit of time to seek a proper explanation from the Authority’s technical team.

“Give me a little to find out from our technical team actually what happened,” Sonani said.

MACRA continually monitors the usage of the spectrum through Management and Monitoring of frequency Modulation equipment that have remote stations distributed within the country to ensure; compliance to specified technical operating standards in resolving cases of harmful interference.