The Malawi Peace and Unity Commission has called upon the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to maintain professionalism and prevent private individuals from interfering with their efforts.

This comes after the recent foiled demonstrations in Lilongwe, which were condemned by stakeholders.

Bishop Mary Nkosi, chairperson of the commission, expressed concern over individuals wielding weapons and roaming freely in the city streets.

 "It's unheard of and unacceptable," she said. "Citizens have the right to voice grievances through peaceful demonstrations".

Nkosi emphasized that intimidation by private individuals can lead to violence and anarchy ahead of next year's polls.

 She urged agencies handling election preparations to facilitate peaceful dialogue among political parties and stakeholders.

Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, national police spokesperson, agreed with the commission, condemning the acts of violence.

 "No private security companies or individuals are allowed to execute a police mandate," he reiterated.

The incident in question occurred last Wednesday, where panga-welding individuals stormed the demonstration's starting point, wounding some people in full view of the police. 

No arrests have been been made.

The demonstrators, led by opposition parties, demanded the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja, Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi, and NRB chief Mphatso Sambo, as well as the termination of SMARTMATIC's electoral management devices contract.