Vice Chairperson for the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Michael Kaiyatsa says citizens’ freedom of expression has not been respected, as seen on the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and journalists, among other issues.

Kaiyatsa says it has been a challenging period for Malawians whose freedom of expression has degraded, as others were continuously attacked and arrested.

He has then called on stakeholders to safeguard the rights of Malawians as guided by the country’ constitution.

"There have been numerous instances where Malawians have not been free to express their concerns this year. We have continuously seen Malawians being attacked for speaking out,” said Kaiyatsa.

"As we are going towards the elections, those that have the mandate to protect the rights of Malawians should take lead,” he added.

HRDC Vice Chairperson, Michael Kaiyatsa has then called on stakeholders to safeguard the rights of Malawians as guided by the country’ constitution.

Executive Director for the Women Legal Resource Center (WOLREC), Maggie Kathewera Banda says women have also been victims of political attacks in the year.

"Despite women realizing their rights to take part in politics, there has been political violence targeting women, which is a drawback," said Banda.

This is also happening as Malawi heads to the polls on 16 September this year.