LILONGWE, Malawi – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an immediate investigation into the attacks on peaceful election protesters in Malawi, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability as the country approaches its general elections in September. The demand follows a distressing incident last week where armed assailants targeted demonstrators at an election rally in the capital, Lilongwe.

According to HRW, the attackers, who were reportedly armed with machetes and concealed their identities with masks, emerged from unregistered vehicles and assaulted protesters. The rally was organized to demand the resignation of certain Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officials, accused of favoring the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and obscuring details about the implementation of electronic voting systems.

Idriss Ali Nassah, HRW's senior Africa researcher, highlighted the critical nature of the investigation, stating, “This brutal attack needs to be swiftly addressed to maintain public trust in the electoral process.” He further stressed that the actions of the police, who allegedly stood by during the attacks, are central to ensuring a fair electoral environment.

The violence has not only local, but also international ramifications, drawing condemnation from global entities such as the European Union and the United States. Amy Diaz, the Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Malawi, expressed her dismay over the incident, criticizing the inaction of local security forces.

The Malawi Police Service, through spokesperson Peter Kalaya, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and assured that an investigation is already in progress. However, police officials refuted claims of passivity, noting their use of tear gas during the incident.

In the midst of these accusations, civil society organizations, along with the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), have suggested that the attackers were connected to a youth militia affiliated with the ruling MCP. They accused the ruling party of employing intimidation tactics, a claim that the MCP vehemently denies, attributing the violence instead to internal conflicts within the DPP.

As the nation grapples with economic difficulties and an inflation rate nearing 30 percent, the upcoming elections are particularly significant. President Lazarus Chakwera, seeking re-election, faces the challenge of navigating these tensions amidst growing concerns over electoral integrity and violence.

HRW’s call for a thorough investigation underscores the broader implications of the incident on Malawi's commitment to human rights and the rule of law, particularly in a pre-election period marked by unrest and public distrust. The resolution of this case could be pivotal in determining the credibility of the forthcoming elections and the stability of the nation.