SCATTERED DEMONSTRATIONS FOLLOW UDF VICTORY

UNCLAS LILONGWE 000439 SIPDIS DEPT FOR CA/OCS/ACS (ROBINSON) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM CASC MI 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