The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has announced plans to hold peaceful demonstrations on Thursday, November 21, 2024, to address the ongoing fuel crisis and electoral issues in Malawi.

According to Sylvester Namiwa, CDEDI’s Executive Director, “The demonstrations are meant to force the Minister of Energy, Hon. Ibrahim Matola, and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) CEO, Mr. Henry Kachaje, to step down due to their handling of the fuel crisis, which has entered its fifth week.”

Namiwa emphasized that the crisis has severely impacted the local manufacturing industry, resulting in low revenue collection and potential massive job losses.

He also expressed concerns over the health sector, citing the loss of productive citizens.

CDEDI has also criticized the National Registration Bureau’s (NRB) conduct and the Malawi Electoral Commission’s (MEC) decision to engage Smartmatic, a firm under investigation for bribery in the Philippines.

The demonstrations will commence at 09:30 hrs from the Lilongwe Community Ground, passing through Kamuzu Central Hospital, and ending at Capital Hill’s main entrance.

Namiwa reminded authorities that holding peaceful demonstrations is a constitutional right and that this notification is for proper planning, not permission.

As CDEDI leads the call for action, Malawians are urged to champion electoral transparency and credibility, saying no to “mediocrity, impunity, and arrogance” associated with President Dr. Lazarus

Souce: Power Online