Elections, Justice, Historical times

I usually don’t write a lot about Malawi politics and government. However right now I can only believe we are living in a time that will be recorded in history and studied for many years to come.

May 21, 2019 the quintennial tripartite election was held. The announcement of the results was delayed because of issues that were brought as complaints. I am told this is normal. To the best of my understaning all the issues were not addressed before the results were announced.

The announcement was that our incumbent president won. Within a few days petitions were filed that the election was unjust, and poorly run. The two runners up candidates filed these petitions. At that point it became a waiting game politically.

A group formed calling themselves the HRDC (Human Rights Defense Council) begin to call for the resignation or firing of the woman who is the head of the Malawi Electoral Commission. She refused to resign claiming she has upheld the law. After that various demonstrations and marches were held. These were planned (I honestly do believe this) by the organizers to be non violent/peaceful demonstrations. However there is a certain mob mentality that occurs with large groups of people. There is also no real knowledge of exactly who participated but they did not stay non violent. There were rocks thrown at police, windows, including the windows of passing occupied vehicles, tires have been burned and it has generally been a little scary though generally times and dates of the marches were publicized.

At one point the HRDC wanted to demonstrate at airports and the border crossings in and out of the country and stop all incoming and outgoing traffic. This was said to be considered treason and they were ordered to not set up these demonstrations. Also when things in the major cities, Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu got out of hand there was a 14 day stop and desist order which was followed.

So I would say the situation has been a little scary and tense at times but if you were wise you really didn’t have to be too concerned.

The court case was taken up by the constitutional court and the results were finally announced this past Monday. They came out with a 500 page document which was summarized point by point. A very brief summary of the most critical findings is below.

1. Nullification of presidential election

2. Fresh election, to be held within 150 days

3. Parliament to consider 50+1%

4. MPs and Councillors to serve longer than 5yrs so that next Tri-partite elections are done after 5yrs

6. PAC to re-examine competence of current MEC to manage fresh elections

7. MEC to pay petitioners' legal costs

These results have now been appealed to the Supreme court by the president. But for the most part Malawi remains calm and peaceful.

This decision has been hailed by many as a landmark strike for justice and the trampling down of corruption. We wait to see what will happen going forward. At this point it is peaceful and the streets are safe (well except for the normal congested and erratic traffic)

I am deliberately not expressing an opinion on what should happen. I honestly don’t know but I covet everyone’s prayers that the coming transitional time remains peaceful and safe and that in the end a just solution will be found and Malawi can move forward a stronger nation.