Human Rights Defenders Coalition Ready For June 20 Demonstrations

Human Rights Defenders Coalition says they are all set for the planned June 20 demonstrations.

The demonstrations are aimed at forcing Justice Jane Ansah to step down as Malawi Electoral Commission chairperson for what they allege to be compromise of the May 21 electoral process.

On Tuesday, the Coalition held a press briefing in Lilongwe to reaffirm their position after the City Council granted them permission to go ahead with the demonstrations.

Vice Chairperson for HRDC Gift Trapence said the Lilongwe Chief Executive John Chome had no right to interfere with peaceful demonstrations.

The demonstration in the Capital City will start from Lilongwe Community Centre Ground passing through the Mchesi road, to Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout through the Parliament roundabout to Capitol Hill main gate where the petition will be delivered.

The Malawi Police Service has been mandated to exercise its power on any demonstrator instigating chaos, violence or any act contrary to the peaceful demonstrations.

Trapence sentiments on interference came as Blantyre City Council turned down HRDC request saying all roads in the city had been booked and they could not accommodate them. The Council later rescinded the decision and has since allowed the protestors to proceed with the march

The HRDC demonstrations coincide with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) celebratory parades and Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations which started on Tuesday.

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and UTM have also endorsed the demonstrations and have asked their followers to join in.

MCP supporters have since the announcement of the election results been demonstrating against the declaration of Peter Mutharika as winner of the May 21 Tripartite Elections.