Ras Chikomeni Chirwa

Ras Chikomeni Chirwa (born Chikomeni David Chirwa on October 1, 1977)[1] is a Malawian politician, musician and farmer. He is best known for his populist political movement in which he wanted to run as an independent.[2][3]

Ras Chikomeni Chirwa
Born
Chikomeni David Chirwa

(1977-10-01) October 1, 1977
Malawi.
NationalityMalawian

Early life

He was born to Overton Chirwa an agricultural officer from Mzimba and Nines Kayengi, a school teacher from Chitipa.[4]

Candidate

On February 6, 2019, his papers had not yet been accepted by the Malawian Election Committee due to insufficient fees and insufficient signatures.[4] On the same day, his supporters started raising money for him on social media to finance his presidential run[5]. However, human rights activist organization CHREAA took his case to court to challenge the signature and fee requirements for those with low -income.[6] Chirwa contends that separate rules are needed for candidates running as independents.[7] He is the first Rastafarian presidential hopeful in Malawi.

Issues

He runs on a platform that is pro-poor.[8][9] He wants to bring awareness to the discriminatory treatment of the poor, including the Rastafarian community. He is interested in environmental issues such as deforestation and global warming. He is interested in promoting legalization of marijuana.[10]

References
  1. "Ras Chikomeni papers to run for Malawi presidency: Given 2 days to act on anomalies". NyasaTimes. 2019-02-06.
  2. Sangala, Tom (10 January 2019). "13 collect nomination forms". Times.mw.
  3. "Ras Chikomeni in meet and greet admirers in Lilongwe". Nyasa Times. 25 January 2019.
  4. "MEC rejects Ras Chikomeni papers to run for Malawi presidency: Given 2 days to act on anomalies". Nyasa Times. 6 February 2019.
  5. "Ras Chikomeni sympathisers raise nomination fees through social media". Nyasa Times. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  6. "Rights activists take Ras Chikomeni nomination papers rejection to court". Nyasa Times. 8 February 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  8. Ngwira, Robert. "MEC rejects Ras Chikomeni David Chirwa presidential nomination papers – Face Of Malawi". Faceofmalawi.com.
  9. "Dzonzi-at-large: Ras Chikomeni brewing Malawi revolution". Nyasa Times. 6 February 2019.
  10. "Ras Chikomeni declare interest in running for presidency : Malawi 2019 elections". Nyasa Times. 7 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
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