Opposition Urges Multi-Party Rule After Malawi Vote
Opposition groups demanded Wednesday that Malawi convert to multi-party rule after referendum results showed rejection of President H. Kamuzu Banda’s iron-fisted regime.
Brown Chimphamba, chairman of the commission that ran Monday’s non-binding referendum, announced on state radio that 63% of voters prefer a Western-style political system to Banda’s one-party rule.
Thousands of people poured out of shops, offices and factories after the announcement in this southeastern African nation.
“This is the best day in my life,” said a weeping Norbert Chayenda, a former Banda supporter who has joined the opposition Alliance for Democracy. “It is time for Kamuzu to go.”
It was unclear how Banda, believed to be in his 90s, would react to losing the referendum. The government has rejected a coalition leadership, saying it would remain in power until elections, which under the constitution do not have to be held until 1997.
Banda came to power in 1964 when Malawi, a former British colony, became independent.
“It’s time for younger people,” said fish vendor Miriam Chakulya.
The two leading opposition groups--Alliance for Democracy and United Democratic Front--demanded that Banda form a coalition government to include them and hold presidential and parliamentary elections before Christmas.
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