By The Forum
The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has joined other rights groups in condemning alleged threats and coordinated attacks targeting human rights defenders (HRDs) during Malawi’s ongoing vote tallying process.
CHRR and the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum (CSEIF) cited online threats accusing HRDs of plotting to block a possible victory for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika.
“These cowardly attempts to vilify and silence HRDs amid the vote tallying process are dangerous, unconstitutional, and an outright assault on our democracy,’’ said CHRR executive director Michael Kaiyatsa in a statement Thursday.
He stressed that HRDs aren’t political operatives but advocates for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, regardless of which political party is in power or contesting for office.
CHRR dismissed the accusations as baseless and warned of a growing wave of disinformation aimed at silencing critical voices. It urged the Malawi Police Service to act against those making threats.
CSEIF chairperson Benedicto Kondowe also cautioned that the claims could inflame tensions and erode public trust in institutions mandated to uphold the rule of law.
“We therefore warn all actors, including political leaders, their surrogates, and online agitators, to immediately desist from intimidation, blackmail, and incitement against HRDs,” Kondowe said.
Malawians are still waiting for the official results of the September 16, 2025 general elections, where 17 presidential candidates contested, including former president Peter Mutharika of the DPP and incumbent Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party. Unofficial tallies show Mutharika leading.
The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has said it will announce results once all votes from constituency and district tally centres are verified at the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe.
