The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has urged delegates to the sixth All-Inclusive Conference of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to consider setting up a governing council to lead the country until the September 16 general elections are held.

Addressing the media in Lilongwe on Monday, CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa claimed President Lazarus Chakera has abandoned his constitutional mandate by investing his time, energy and public resources among others in his re-election bid, thereby posing a threat to the survival of millions of Malawians, he vowed to serve and protect without fear and favour under the constitution.

"Going by the president's public sentiments and engagements, it is crystal clear that he has abdicated his constitutional duties and obligations by reducing himself to the position of the president of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and not the president of the country which the 20-plus millions of us call our home, and we all deserve to live in as bona fide citizens," said Namiwa.

He argues that this has created room for powerful elements within State House and the ruling MCP that are allegedly and mercilessly ransacking the already fragile economy such that if nothing is done as a matter of urgency, the economy will take ages to recover.

CDEDI has since reiterated its call to Malawians to stand vigilant all the time in an effort to save the country from complete destruction, adding that this will be achieved through the "People Power Forum" whereby public officers will be held to account for their actions and failure to act.

Some of the public officers under the microscope, according to Namiwa, are minister of energy Ibrahim Matola, finance minister Simplex Chithyola Banda and health minister Khumbuze Kandodo Chiponda, suggesting the need for president Chakwera to remove them for alleged incompetence.

However, in a separate interview with Zodiak Online spokesperson for the quasi-religious body Bishop Gilford Matonga said the purpose of their conference which will take place in Blantyre starting from 20th May, 2025, is to discuss elections and security issues ahead of the 16 September polls.

Bishop Matonga said CDEDI's suggestion is politically motivated and does not form part of their agenda.

"We are not addressing issues of regime change, let alone the establishment of an independent council, because the government that is there was democratically elected," concluded bishop Matonga.