Violence Against Peaceful Protesters is an Outrageous Assault on Democracy—Former Heads of State Demand Immediate Action

We unequivocally condemn the violent and unlawful actions that erupted on 13 November 2024 in Lilongwe. 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.

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 alarming events of November 13, witnessed by the Police, represent a critical breach of our Constitutional principles and international standards. Such actions must be condemned in the strongest terms, especially as our nation approaches a critical election period. It is imperative that citizens are allowed to assert their constitutional right to participate freely in choosing their leaders. Let their voices be heard.

We cannot remain silent. We demand that:
1.⁠ ⁠The Inspector General of Police must launch an immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence. There is ample video evidence to initiate swift action.
2.⁠ ⁠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.
3.⁠ ⁠The Malawi Electoral Commission must urgently revisit the decisions that have led to this crisis, including the use of the controversial Smartmatic and the ongoing voter suppression due to the NRB’s failure to issue Mzika cards to all eligible voters. Transparency is non-negotiable, and the Commission must take its role in conflict prevention and resolution seriously.
4.⁠ ⁠The National Registration Bureau must comply immediately with the court ruling mandating its presence at all registration centers, ensuring that every eligible citizen receives their Mzika card without delay. We are aware that the Malawi Electoral Commission 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!

Dr. Bakili Muluzi
Dr. Joyce Banda
Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika