One of the country’s governance and human rights advocate, Undule Mwakasungula, has described as illegal demands by the National Union for Concerned Citizens to change the country’s regime before elections.
The union has announced that it will hold nationwide shutdown demonstration on July 31, 2024, to force the current government to resign.
But Mwakasungula has questioned the purpose and motive behind the demand, arguing demanding regime change outside an election is unconstitutional.
He stated that as much as the constitution gives Malawians a right to organize demonstrations, it is equally important to consider the intent and impact of such actions on our nation’s stability, unity, development and progress.
“This approach is against the very democratic principles that allow such grievances to be voiced. Malawi is a constitutional democracy, and any attempt to forcefully remove a sitting government outside the electoral process is not only illegal but also set back to our national unity, peace and our international standing. We must not forget that we will be heading to the polls next year.
“The upcoming elections provide a legitimate and constitutional avenue for Malawians to express their voices and choose their leaders. Therefore, our efforts should be concentrated on preparing for these elections, ensuring they are free, fair, and credible, rather than resorting to measures that could plunge the nation into chaos and uncertainty,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges Malawians are going through, Mwakasungula said it is important to recognize the efforts President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his government are making to address them.
“So much is being done. The current administration has undertaken various initiatives aimed at improving governance, economic stability, infrastructure development and the social welfare of Malawians. As a nation we must always be reminded that peace is a cornerstone of any national development. Therefore, demonstrations that lead to a nationwide shutdown could have severe repercussions on the economy, social services, and the general well-being of the citizens. The potential for violence and disruption could be high, and the consequences will be a set back to the progress we have made as a nation,” stated Mwakasungula.
He urged the National Union for Concerned Citizens and other interest groups to engage with the government through established platforms for dialogue, stressing that it is only through constructive engagement that Malawi can find meaningful solutions and address the grievances without resorting to actions that could destabilize the nation.
“While the right to demonstrate is protected, it is important that such actions are conducted in good faith and with the broader national interest in mind. The call for an unconstitutional change of regime is unacceptable and counterproductive. We must work together to address our challenges through dialogue, engagement, and commitment to our democratic processes,” he said.