PAC releases tentative programme for Dec 13 demos

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has released a tentative programme and settled for red as dominant colour for the December 13 protests.

According to a statement from PAC, the demonstrations in Mzuzu will start from Katoto Secondary School ground to civic offices; in Lilongwe the demonstrations will start from community centre ground to city council offices, in Blantyre they will start from Clock Tower to civic offices while in Zomba the demonstrations will start from Community Ground to Mponda Freedom Park.

Much as the protests are centered on the electoral reforms, PAC has also highlighted other nine key messages to be given out on the day.

Among others, PAC wants MBC to be freed as a public broadcaster, conclusion of cases involving what it calls big fishes and has spoken out against unfulfilled promises and deep rooted corruption in government.

However, faced with mounting pressure to table all the Electoral Reforms Bills, government says it will today circulate among members of Parliament (MPs) the remaining two pieces of legislation, including the contentious 50+1 provision.

Leader of the House Kondwani Nankhumwa said government has finalised the drafting and printing of the Bills; making them ready for distribution.

He said Cabinet last Friday finalised the scrutiny of the proposed Bills and they were being printed by the Government Printers over the weekend.

Government last Thursday circulated three other bills in the set collectively referred to as Electoral Reforms Bills.

Reacting to the new development, PAC executive director Robert Phiri said the organisation will proceed with the planned demonstrations despite getting information about the circulation of the Bills.

Phiri however said when and after the remaining Bills have been circulated they will convene an emergency meeting to discuss the way forward.