All set for anti-MEC leadership demos, Malawians urged to defend democracy
Malawians in Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Mangochi, and Blantyre are set to take to the streets today Thursday, June 26, 2025, demanding the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi.
The demonstrations, organized by Citizens for Credible Elections (CfCE), are being held under the theme “Let’s preserve our democracy by safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.” According to the organisers, the two senior MEC officials have lost public trust and are “too compromised” to preside over the upcoming general elections slated for September 16.
CfCE argues that the duo’s refusal to allow an independent audit of the Smartmatic-supplied Electoral Management System (EMS) raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the entire electoral process.
“Any person exercising both legal and political authority ought to be ready to be held accountable for their actions or failure of the same,” CfCE said in a statement signed by its leadership including Sylvester Namiwa, Edward Kambanje, Zainab Hassan, Omega Tsiku, and Nyanyiwe Soko.
The group insists the demand for an audit is not only reasonable but a basic requirement of good governance. “It is not only strange but outright unacceptable and suspicious for MEC to reject the audit and still claim readiness for a credible election,” they stated.
CfCE is appealing to all “well-meaning and patriotic” Malawians to join the protests as a show of resolve that citizens will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the democratic process. “CfCE, therefore, today reiterates its call to patriotic Malawians to never relent in their demand for a credible electoral process as a sure way of sustaining the country’s hard-earned democracy.”
In Lilongwe, protestors will gather at the Lilongwe Community Centre ground at 9:30 a.m., marching via Mchesi, Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout, Amina roundabout, and Paul Kagame Highway to the District Commissioner’s office where a petition will be delivered.
In Mzuzu, the march will begin at Katoto Ground, proceed along the M1, through Shoprite roundabout and the Clock Tower, before delivering the petition at the DC’s office.
Mangochi protestors will assemble at the Bakili Muluzi Highway roundabout and proceed past the police station to the DC’s office.
In Blantyre, demonstrators will start at Kamuzu Upper Stadium and march via Masauko Chipembere Highway to MEC’s regional offices, with dress code for all participants being red and black, symbolising resistance and mourning for the perceived assault on democracy.
CfCE warns that until Mtalimanja and Mpesi resign or are removed by the appointing authority, the demonstrations will continue. The group concluded by reminding public officials that “the voter is the main stakeholder in any electoral process,” and should never be taken for granted.
