The group called Malawi First has announced that it will hold demonstrations on August 8, 2024.
According to the leader of the group, Bon Kalindo, the decision to hold demonstrations followed the expiry of a 10-day ultimatum, during which the government failed to engage with the group regarding their concerns.
“We expected government officials to meet us and share their views on the concerns we presented, but they have decided to remain silent,” said Kalindo.
The group presented several concerns to the government for action, including addressing registration challenges at the National Registration Bureau (NRB), repealing the Tax Stamps policy by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), compulsory use of the National Identity Card during voter registration, and stopping political arrests.
On the Tax Stamps policy, Kalindo said the government should consider not charging an extra fee for the stickers to the business community, as the process is contributing to their losses.
The group also wanted the Malawi Electoral Commission to allow people to use an alternative form of identification during voter registration instead of the national ID only.
In his announcement speech, Kalindo said the protests would take place in all cities and towns, targeting MRA, MEC, and NRB offices.
He assured that the group would follow all procedures in accordance with the law.
Other members present during the press conference included George Makowa, Masauko Banda, Richard Mphepo, and Mustafa Pongolani.
