By:Francis Polinyu Banda

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has urged president Lazarus Chakwera to act on the escalating polical violence ahead of the country’s general elections slated for September 16,2025.

The call comes amid fuel scarcity demonstrations organized by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) in the capital Lilongwe,where violent clashes mar the organized protests.

In a press statement released on Monday,MLS President  Patrick Gray Mpaka says the society has noted growing incidents of violence and marked silence from the state authorities in managing the violence.

“Under the constitution,state authorities are the duty bearers responsible to ensure peaceful enjoyment of all rights by all citizens and residents of the country”, reads part of the statement.

The MLS further says that political violence of any kind cannot be tolerated in a multiparty democracy and calls upon state authorities in command of public safety and protection of the rights of persons in Malawi and responsible for the upholding of the constitutional order to deliver a clear and timely message and take action that demonstrates that no form of political violence by any political groupings or otherwise will be tolerated ahead of 2025 general elections.

“We make a direct call on president Lazarus Chakwera by virtue of section 88 of the constitution to see to upholding of peace and unity and end of any form of emerging political violence across the country”,further reads the statement.

Violent confrontations errapted on Monday, November 25,with police and machete-wielding groups and protesters a repeat of what happened a week ago.

Police deployed teargas while armed groups attacked protesters near key locations, including the Lilongwe Community Centre, forcing significant traffic disruptions.