Party Offices Torched in Malawi

The Mzuzu offices of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have been set on fire this week, following the torching of the main opposition Malawi Congress Party’s headquarters in Blantyre last week.

The blaze took hold as demonstrators called for the resignation of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah, following disputed elections held in May.

The demonstrations this week turned violent, with protestors invading the Regional Road Traffic Directorate offices, before being retrained by members of the Malawi Defence Force.

The protests were organised by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition and included a peaceful march in Lilongwe to State House in order to deliver a petition to presidential aide Mabvuuto Bamusi.

Protestors rejected calls from former President Bakili Muluzi to suspend the action and participate in talks. Opposition presidential candidates Lazarus Chakwera and Saulos Chilima are challenging the official election results in the courts on the basis of alleged electoral irregularities.