17 Feb 2020 | 01:11 PM UTC
Malawi: Demonstrations scheduled nationwide February 17, 19, 21, 24 /update 3
Ruling political party calls for demonstrations in Southern, Northern, and Central Regions February 17, 19, 21, 24
Event
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called for demonstrations in the Southern, Northern, and Central Regions on February 17, 19, 21, and 24 respectively, to demand "the restoration of democratic justice."This comes after the Malawian Constitutional Court annulled Peter Mutharika's 2019 presidential election victory on Monday, February 3.
- On Monday, February 17, participants are due to gather in Blantyre (Southern Region) at the DPP office before marching towards Ndirande, Kameza roundabout, Mbayani, and Sanjika.
- On Wednesday, February 19, another march is set to take place in Zomba (Southern Region) from Chinamwali trading centre to the DC's office.
- On Friday, February 21, the third protest will occur in Mzuzu (Northern Region) beginning at Katoto secondary school and proceeding to the Court House via the Shoprite roundabout.
- On Monday, February 24, the final demonstration is scheduled to take place in the capital Lilongwe (Central Region) starting from the community ground and proceeding to the civic offices via Old Town Hall and the Amina roundabout.
Associated protests are possible in Malawi over the coming days amid a heightened a security presence. Transportation and business disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites.
Context
Election-related demonstrations organized by opposition supporters have been held regularly since May 26, 2019, after voting irregularities were reported during the May 21 general elections. Demonstrators have been calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Jane Ansah, accusing her of mishandling the presidential elections. Additionally, protesters are increasingly discontented with President Mutharika and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as a whole.
The Malawian Constitutional Court in Lilongwe annulled Peter Mutharika's 2019 presidential election victory on Monday, February 3, upholding an application submitted by opposition parties. A new vote must be held within 150 days, according to the court, though a date has not yet been announced.
Advice
Individuals in Malawi are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests, anticipate disruptions to transportation and business and a heightened security presence near demonstration sites, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
