MCTU attacks MEC

The Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has accused the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) of trying to ‘steal’ the International Labour Day by organising interdenominational prayers for peaceful elections on May 1.

But MEC says MCTU celebrations could not stop other activities from taking place.

May 1 every year is Labour Day and MCTU joins the rest of the world to celebrate the day with various activities outlining workers’ hopes and challenges.

This year’s celebrations, whose theme is ‘Decent and Productive Employment Creation Crucial for Sustainable Development of Malawi’, will take place at Masintha ground in Lilongwe.

However, MEC has organised prayers for peaceful May 20 Tripartite Elections which are scheduled for the same day in Blantyre, a development MCTU has described as a deliberate miscalculation.

“All along, MEC knew that International Labour Day falls on 1st May, but chose the same day to conduct their activities. This is disrespectful to the plight of workers and it should be condemned,” said MCTU president Chauluka Muwake.

President Joyce Banda, who is scheduled to attend MEC-organised prayers at Robin’s Park in Blantyre, was among the prominent guests MCTU had invited to grace the occasion.

But MEC spokesperson Sangwani Mwafulirwa said the fact that there is Labour Day activities should not stop others from carrying out their activities.

Mwafulirwa explained that initially, MEC had planned the prayers for April 30 2014, but were re-scheduled to allow presidential candidates who took part in a debate in Lilongwe on Tuesday night ample time to travel to Blantyre and attend the event.

MCTU president said there are issues of concern like lack of government’s monitoring of the minimum wage application, the continued effect of the kwacha devaluation and lack of seriousness in uplifting the welfare of workers.

Last year’s celebrations took place at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre where the President attended.