By Jones Gadama
A heated exchange erupted at the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) all-inclusive stakeholders conference in Blantyre when moderator Maggie Kathewera Banda announced that there would be no more questions due to the impending lunch break.
The decision sparked outrage among activists Bon Kalindo and Sylvester Namiwa, who felt that their voices were being silenced.
“So why are we here? Give us an opportunity to speak too,” Kalindo and Namiwa shouted in unison, expressing their frustration with the conference’s format.
The tense moment was eventually diffused by Mavuto Bamusi, spokesperson for the Political Science Association, who intervened to calm the situation.
The incident highlights the challenges of managing diverse opinions and expectations in a forum with multiple stakeholders.
The PAC conference aims to bring together various interest groups to discuss crucial issues related to the upcoming general election.
However, the limited speaking time and perceived lack of opportunity for all participants to contribute to the discussion sparked controversy.
The conference, which brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including political parties, civil society, and government agencies, is designed to promote dialogue and consensus-building on key electoral issues. Despite the tense moment, the conference is expected to continue with its agenda, focusing on critical topics such as electoral disputes, preparedness for the general election, and peace and security plans.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication and participatory approaches in forums like the PAC conference.
By providing opportunities for all stakeholders to contribute to the discussion, organizers can foster a more inclusive and productive dialogue, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the electoral process.
Tension erupts at PAC Conference as activists demand their voice be heard
By Burnett Munthali
Tempers flared during the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) all-inclusive stakeholders’ conference currently underway in Blantyre, following a contentious moment that unfolded just before the meeting was adjourned for lunch.
The tension began when conference moderator Maggie Kathewera Banda announced that there would be no more questions from the floor as the session was coming to a close. Her announcement was met with an immediate and angry reaction from civil rights activists Bon Kalindo and Sylvester Namiwa, who felt sidelined and shut out of the discussion.
“So why are we here? Give us an opportunity to speak too,” Kalindo and Namiwa protested in unison, raising their voices above the murmurs in the room. The pair stood firmly on their right to participate in what was supposed to be a democratic and inclusive dialogue.
Their public outburst quickly drew attention and momentarily disrupted proceedings, as other participants observed the confrontation unfold. It took the calm and measured intervention of Political Science Association spokesperson Mavuto Bamusi to restore order. Bamusi addressed the situation diplomatically, appealing for calm and urging both the organizers and participants to maintain the spirit of mutual respect and constructive engagement.
The incident reflects growing public frustration and a strong demand for genuine inclusivity, especially from activists and concerned citizens who believe their perspectives are often marginalized in official policy forums. It also underscores the critical need for organizers of such national gatherings to allocate sufficient time for diverse voices, particularly on sensitive matters affecting governance, elections, and democracy.
The PAC conference, a vital platform for civic and political dialogue in Malawi, continues with heightened anticipation as stakeholders prepare to address key issues ahead of the country’s 2025 general elections.
