UTM president Saulos Chilima has endorsed nationwide demonstrations organised by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) slated for this Thursday calling for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Justice Jane Ansah.   

Chilima made the remarks at Masintha grounds in Lilongwe on Saturday afternoon during a thank you rally dubbed ‘Masintha Reload Operation’.

He police should not use of excessive force by spoiling a situation through firing teargas throughout the demonstration period.

Chilima also reminded the law enforcers to do their job professionally by protecting the protesters.

“People are at liberty to conduct protests, and they should be protected by the law enforcers not firing teargas at peaceful demonstrators, and this should not happen this time around,” he said.

Chilima expressed gratitude to the masses for voting for UTM in the May 21 polls and said the party’s dream of transforming the country lives on.

The immediate past vice president also thanked Malawians for being peace-loving people and reminded politicians to lead people by not overlooking on issues of national importance.

Chilima also pledged support for women empowerment by highlighting that for this time around Members of Parliament should elect a female speaker for the national assembly.

“At least for now history should be made in Malawi that Members of Parliament have elected a female Speaker of Parliament, and I urge the legislators to demonstrate support for women by voting for that particular woman,” he said.

The UTM President told the gathering that they should remain calm as electoral court case which the party filed against the presidential results is still in progress.

Chilima reminded Malawians that they should not be afraid as recited in the country`s National Anthem.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has postponed the 31st Malawi International Trade Fair slated for June 20-30 due to the ongoing political tensions in the country.