US embassy cable - 04LILONGWE439

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Identifier:	04LILONGWE439
Wikileaks:	View 04LILONGWE439 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Lilongwe
Created:	2004-05-24 07:13:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED
Tags:	PGOV PHUM CASC MI United Democratic Front President Parliament Elections
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000439 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR CA/OCS/ACS (ROBINSON) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PHUM, CASC, MI, United Democratic Front, President, Parliament, Elections 
SUBJECT: SCATTERED DEMONSTRATIONS FOLLOW UDF VICTORY 
 
REF: LILONGWE 438 
 
1. Delayed announcement of presidential and parliamentary 
election results sparked scattered demonstrations and 
violence in Blantyre and Mzuzu on May 23 (reftel).  The 
Mgwirizano Coalition, led by Gwanda Chakuamba, staged a 
demonstration in Blantyre to protest the Malawi Electoral 
Commission's (MEC) handling of the elections and the United 
Democratic Front's (UDF) victory.  When police attempted to 
disperse the demonstrators with tear gas and warning shots, 
opposition supporters reportedly torched the UDF's 
headquarters.  Some cars were also reportedly overturned 
before the demonstration was broken up.  No injuries or 
deaths have been reported. 
 
2. Tensions remain high as plans for Bingu wa Mutharika's 
inauguration proceed for the morning of May 24.  The high 
tensions and several visiting SADC heads of state have led to 
a heavy police presence in Blantyre. 
 
3. CONOFF has been in contact with wardens.  There have been 
no reports of AMCIT injury. 
DOUGHERTY