Quota Must Fall Movement plan to hold vigils

The Quota Must Fall Movement (QMFM) says it will hold vigils in all secondary schools in the Northern Region, a day before schools open for the next term.

In a statement dated March 5 2020, QMFM spokesperson Reverend William Mumba claimed government has abolished quota system as a strategy to win votes during the forthcoming fresh presidential elections slated for May 19 this year.

Reads in part the statement: “Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has always refused the existence of quota system at all levels in several meetings as well as in various forums.

“We, therefore, urge all Malawians that sympathise with our agenda to disregard the statement.”

Mumba said QMFM members have not changed their agenda to fight against quota system.

Reacting to the statement, Ministry of Information, Civic Education and Communications Technology Mark Botomani, who is also government spokesperson, said on Friday the organisation is misguided, adding that it is not government’s motive to abolish the quota system to win votes.

“Had it been that government intended to use this strategy to get more votes, it could have done that during the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections when other political parties were using quota system as a campaign tool against government,” he said.

Botomani said the abolishment of quota system was made after government engaged various stakeholders on its merits and demerits.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Friday issued a statement in which it condemned QMFM, arguing their press statement was careless and misguided.

“We call upon the Quota Must Fall Movement to ensure that schools are not disturbed by unwanted vigils,” said the ministry’s Principal Secretary Justin Saidi.

He urged QMFM to engage government on the issue other than conducting vigils in secondary schools.