This strong rebuke comes amid growing frustration over the voter registration process. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In an extraordinary display of unity, Malawi’s three former Presidents—Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika—have issued a joint statement condemning the violence unleashed on peaceful protesters in Lilongwe on November 13.
The demonstrators, rallying against widespread issues in the voter registration process for the 2025 General Elections, were met with what the leaders described as a brutal and unlawful assault.
Calling the events a “grave assault on democracy,” the former Presidents said, “This is not just unacceptable; it is an outrageous affront to the principles of justice and order that our nation stands for.” They pointed to the country’s Constitution and international commitments as clear guarantees of free, fair, and transparent elections, emphasizing that Malawians’ rights to peaceful assembly and political participation must be protected at all costs.
The leaders highlighted the provisions of Malawi’s Constitution, including Section 40, which guarantees political freedoms, and Section 38, which upholds the right to peaceful demonstration. “The violent events of November 13, witnessed by the Police, represent a critical breach of these Constitutional principles,” they said.
This strong rebuke comes amid growing frustration over the voter registration process. Protesters have raised alarms about alleged voter suppression, with many unable to obtain the essential Mzika cards due to failures by the National Registration Bureau (NRB).
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has also faced scrutiny for its reliance on controversial Smartmatic technology and reports of technical failures that could jeopardize the credibility of the voters’ roll.
In their statement, the former Presidents called for immediate and decisive action. They demanded an investigation by the Inspector General of Police, noting there is ample video evidence to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence. “Accountability must be swift and transparent,” they urged.
Critics point out that Section 40 of the Constitution ensures political freedoms, while Section 38 safeguards the right to peaceful protest. Photo: Malawi Voice
They also called on President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party to publicly condemn the violence, urging them to reassure the nation that such incidents will not recur. “This is a moment that requires leadership,” they added, stressing the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens.
The Malawi Electoral Commission did not escape criticism, with the leaders emphasizing the need for the body to address its shortcomings urgently. They highlighted the technical failures of the Election Management Devices and the ongoing controversy surrounding Smartmatic, stating that transparency in the electoral process is non-negotiable.
The statement also called on the National Registration Bureau to comply with a court ruling mandating its presence at all registration centers, ensuring that every eligible voter can obtain their Mzika card without further delays. “Citizens must be allowed to assert their constitutional right to participate freely in choosing their leaders. Let their voices be heard.”
As Malawi approaches a pivotal election, the former leaders warned that unresolved technical and logistical failures could irreparably undermine the voters’ role and compromise the integrity of the democratic process. “The time for action is now. Our democracy demands it,” they said, in a stark reminder of the stakes facing the nation.
This rare intervention from Malawi’s former heads of state underscores the urgency of addressing the escalating tensions. All eyes are now on President Chakwera, the Malawi Electoral Commission, and the National Registration Bureau to take the decisive steps needed to restore public confidence and uphold the democratic principles that the country holds dear.
