BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has formally requested the Ministry of Information to ensure live coverage of a constitutional court case challenging parts of Malawi’s Customary Land Act.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Information,Shadric Namalomba, MP, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the matter is of significant national importance and deserves maximum public attention through live broadcasting on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
The case was filed by Malawian businessman of Indian descent, Faizal Aboo, trading under Pacific Limited, who is challenging the constitutionality of provisions in the Customary Land Act that limit land acquisition by non indigenous Malawians.
According to CDEDI, the case touches on issues of national identity, land ownership, citizenship and constitutional rights, making it one of the most sensitive legal battles currently before the courts.
In the letter copied to Minister of Justice Charles Mhango, CDEDI argued that land remains one of Malawi’s most important natural resources and a key symbol of the country’s sovereignty.
The organization further stated that every Malawian has a right to follow the proceedings because the outcome of the case could have far reaching implications on land policies and investment laws in the country.
CDEDI reminded the government that Malawians previously benefited from live court broadcasts during the historic 2019 presidential election case, which attracted massive public interest across the nation.
The rights grouping also referenced the recent same sex marriage case involving Dutch national Wilem Akster and transgender Malawian Jana Gonani, which was similarly followed closely by the public.
Namiwa said the same level of transparency should be applied in the current constitutional case to promote public trust in the justice system and ensure citizens fully understand the legal arguments being presented.
The organization has therefore urged the Ministry of Information to use its constitutional powers to direct MBC to apply for permission from the courts to cover the proceedings live.
CDEDI believes live broadcasting would strengthen democratic accountability and encourage informed national debate on land ownership and constitutional interpretation.
The constitutional case is expected to attract nationwide attention as Malawians await the court’s determination on one of the country’s most contentious land related legal disputes.