ARE WE PREPARED FOR AN UPRISING IN MALAWI?

GET INTERNET ACCESS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT SHUTS IT DOWN

Malawians are commenting on Nyasa Times that the time may soon be when they will be tempted to emulate the example of  the Tunisians and Egyptians who took to the streets to bring about regime change. So far we have been able to change regimes peacefully, routinely and regularly via the ballot box even though there have been suspicions that results could have been manipulated. I would hate to see things get so bad but our President has evinced a very stubborn streak. He appears willing to sacrifice the interests of the people on the altar of his ego and is unwilling to listen to their cries.

While we have no functioning Electoral Commission and have seen how Government has found excuse after excuse to prevent us voting for our constitutionally mandated local government representatives, it would be foolish of us to trust that the present regime will not deny us the right in 2014 to vote for someone of OUR choosing as President or frustrate us by ensuring that its own predetermined candidate wins.

Forewarned is forearmed.The lesson from Tunisia and Egypt is that modern methods of communication become powerful tools in the hands of demonstrators. Governments desperate to retain control will close down what it can.

Many who are reading this blog will be more tech-savvy than me. Perhaps the technically competent should be prepared for the worst - our Government shutting down the local Internet and telecommunications providers. Under such a scenario they should be prepared to set up a system of personal intercommunication that will frustrate Government's efforts to close down this public space.

How? Check this link for possible solutions and be prepared.

PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS DO NOT IMPRESS

And, on the subject of elections, just check the results of the current poll on this blog. I wish more readers would take a few seconds to participate but even the few who have voted indicate quite clearly that the country is waiting for a NEW LEADER. The largest proportion of voters wants someone as yet unnamed. What does that tell us about the current crop of politicians?

TIME FOR YOUTH TO TAKE CONTROL

The tech-savvy youth of our cities can become a real force for change. Get organised. Recruit your rural relatives.Time for youth to take Malawi into the 21st Century.

The older guys have failed miserably.