BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s former leaders have joined signatures calling on President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration to walk the talk on the promotion of political governance.
The former Malawi Presidents Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda and Peter Mutharika are reacting to Wednesday’s halted opposition political parties’ demonstrations whereby suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP)’s panga wielding thugs disrupted the gathering.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 15, 2025 and signed by trio describes chaotic scenes that foiled Wednesday’s demonstrations in Lilongwe as an outrageous assault on Democracy.
“Our Republican Constitution, international treaties and agreements under the United Nations, the African Union and the SADC all provide for regular, free and fair elections that are conducted with integrity by an independent electoral commission. They also provide for respect for the rule of law, popular participation, equality before the law, and human rights, including freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
“Specifically, Section 40 of our Constitution provides for political freedoms, and Section 38 guarantees the right to peaceful demonstration,” the trio observes.
“Violence Against Peaceful Protestors is an Outrageous Assault on Democracy. We unequivocally condemn the violent and unlawful actions that erupted on 13 November 2024 in Lilongwe,” reads the statement in part.
The trio observes, “This brutality against peaceful demonstrators—who were rightfully protesting the chaotic registration process for the 2025 General Elections—represents a grave assault on democracy.
“Such acts are not only unacceptable but also a direct affront to the principles of justice and order that our nation stands for”.
The trio wonders why Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers were reluctant to quell the situation despite a clear indication of rights violation.
The statement therefore demands, “The Inspector General of Police must launch an immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence, President Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party must categorically condemn this violence, distance themselves from it, and reassure the citizens that such acts will not be tolerated again.
“We are aware that the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)’s Election Management Devices (EMDs) are failing to pick the unique numbers of the new registrants in the NRB system. This must be resolved immediately to prevent the voters’ roll from being irreparably compromised. The time for action is now! Our democracy demands it”.
However, MCP publicist Dr. Jessie Kabwila demanded evidence and proof that whose who foiled opposition demonstrations were the party’s members.
Malawi government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu is yet to comment on the matter.
Former Presidents condemn violence and demand electoral justice ahead of 2025 Elections
By Burnett Munthali
Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, three of Malawi’s former heads of state, have strongly condemned the violence and unlawful actions that erupted on November 13, 2024, in Lilongwe. The violence occurred during peaceful protests by citizens who were rightly voicing their concerns over the chaotic registration process for the 2025 General Elections. The former leaders expressed outrage at the brutality inflicted on demonstrators, calling it a severe assault on the nation’s democratic principles.
In a joint statement, the three former Presidents stated that the actions of the police, which were witnessed during the protests, represent a grave violation of the rights guaranteed by the Malawian Constitution and international law. They pointed out that the events were not only unlawful but also directly contrary to the principles of justice, order, and human dignity upon which Malawi’s democracy is built.
“The violence witnessed on November 13 was an affront to our hard-won democracy. This brutality against peaceful demonstrators represents a direct attack on the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution and the international agreements we are signatories to,” the former Presidents said.
The former leaders emphasized that the Malawian Constitution, along with international treaties under the United Nations, African Union, and Southern African Development Community (SADC), guarantees citizens the right to free and fair elections conducted by an independent electoral body. They also highlighted that these documents protect the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
Section 40 of Malawi’s Constitution guarantees political freedoms, while Section 38 enshrines the right to peaceful demonstration. The former Presidents called on all authorities to respect these rights, particularly as Malawi approaches the critical 2025 elections.
“It is vital that Malawians are allowed to peacefully assert their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process. Democracy thrives when citizens can freely voice their concerns without fear of violence or intimidation,” they said.
In light of the events, the three former Presidents made the following demands:
Firstly, the Inspector General of Police must launch an immediate investigation into the violence, arrest all perpetrators, and ensure they are held accountable. Video evidence from the incident must be used to support swift action.
Secondly, President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) must publicly condemn the violence and disassociate themselves from such actions. They must reassure citizens that such brutality will not be tolerated again.
Thirdly, The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) must urgently review its decisions that have contributed to the crisis, including the controversial use of the Smartmatic system. Voter suppression caused by the National Registration Bureau (NRB)’s failure to issue Mzika cards to eligible voters must be addressed immediately. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.
Fourthly, The National Registration Bureau must fully comply with the court ruling requiring its presence at all registration centers to ensure every eligible citizen receives their Mzika card promptly. Additionally, the failure of the Election Management Devices (EMDs) to register new voters in the NRB system must be resolved to prevent further complications with the voters’ roll.
The former Presidents concluded their statement with a call to action: “The time for action is now! Our democracy demands it. The citizens of Malawi have a right to free, fair, and transparent elections. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the integrity of our electoral process is upheld.”
As the nation heads into the 2025 elections, the demand for electoral justice is louder than ever. Dr. Muluzi, Dr. Banda, and Professor Mutharika’s call for action serves as a crucial reminder that democracy is fragile and must be safeguarded at all costs. The message is clear: Malawi must work together to ensure that its upcoming elections are free from violence, manipulation, and disenfranchisement.
State House accused of protest disruptions: Democracy in the spotlight
By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi – Allegations linking State House to the disruption of peaceful protests in Lilongwe on Wednesday have thrown Malawi’s democratic principles into sharp focus. What began as a calm demonstration against the governance of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) turned chaotic after armed groups allegedly associated with State House intervened.
A pivotal moment in the unrest was the arrest of a man at Crossroads Filling Station. Carrying a panga knife hidden in a laptop bag, the suspect reportedly tried to blend into the crowd. Witness accounts suggest he later shopped casually in the area, but vigilant citizens detained him. During questioning, he presented identification linking him to State House employment.
Carrying a panga knife hidden in a laptop bag, the suspect reportedly tried to blend into the crowd
Protesters confiscated both the weapon and the documents before handing him over to police. Sources have identified the man as a resident of Kasiya, Lilongwe, deepening public suspicions about official involvement in the violence.
A public outcry
The violence has ignited outrage among civil society groups, human rights advocates, and political leaders. Many view the incident as an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly.
In a rare moment of unity, former presidents Dr. Bakili Muluzi, Dr. Joyce Banda, and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika condemned the disruptions. Their joint statement described the violence as a grave threat to democracy. “Intimidation and violence have no place in our democracy. Citizens must be free to voice their concerns without fear,” they declared.
Examining the State House connection
The alleged involvement of State House, along with groups from Mchesi and Msundwe, has cast doubt on the MCP government’s commitment to protecting fundamental freedoms. Critics have accused the administration of orchestrating the violence to suppress dissent.
“The idea that individuals linked to State House may be part of such operations is deeply troubling,” said a prominent civil rights activist. “This undermines public trust and raises serious questions about transparency and accountability in government.”
The demand for justice
With the suspect now in police custody, pressure is mounting for a transparent investigation. Authorities have yet to comment on the suspect’s detention or potential charges. Activists warn that any attempt to sideline the investigation could further erode public confidence in the government.
Political observers emphasize that handling the situation transparently is critical. “This is a test for Malawi’s democracy,” one analyst noted. “How the authorities respond will shape public perceptions of the administration’s integrity.”
Democracy on trial
This incident has brought Malawi’s democratic values under intense scrutiny. For the MCP government, the allegations represent a critical challenge. Citizens are demanding clarity, justice, and a reaffirmation of their constitutional rights.
The nation now waits to see whether this episode will lead to accountability and reform—or deepen the divisions already straining Malawi’s political landscape. The outcome could define the future of democracy in the country.
