By Kelly Napolo & Chimwemwe Mangazi:
Human rights activist-cum-comedian Bon Kalindo has vowed to continue conducting demonstrations under the banner Malawi First, saying they want things to change for the better.
Thursday, members of the group staged demonstrations in Blantyre against what they call police brutality and alleged mismanagement of the citizens’ registration exercise by the National Registration Bureau.
They are further pushing the Malawi Electoral Commission to allow citizens to use other forms of identification, apart from the national identity (ID) card, during the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
A small crowd marched from Kamuzu Upper Stadium to the District Commissioner (DC)’s office in Blantyre Central Business District.
They have since given President Lazarus Chakwera a 20-day ultimatum to address issues they have raised.
Kalindo, who is also president of the grouping, said the government had failed to serve the people, citing what he termed as a volatile economy, eroding buying power and political interference in civil and public services.
“The President and all his Cabinet ministers have failed. If the President does not attend to our petition by the end of 20 days, we will arrange more demonstrations,” Kalindo said
Blantyre DC Alex Mdooko promised to deliver the petition to relevant authorities.
“Thank you, I will make sure your message reaches the right personnel,” Mdooko said.
There was heavy police presence along the Masauko Chipembere Highway as law enforcers sought to ensure the prevalence of peace.
