By Chisomo Ndau
A stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development’s (CDEDI) Wednesday demonstrations against defiant traders on the implementation of the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) takes place this afternoon in Lilongwe.
The Radar is in possession of a communication from the Lilongwe District Council inviting CDEDI senior officials to the engagement from 2pm.
CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has confirmed receiving the invitation and their attendance.
Commissioner of Police for the Central Region, Officer in Charge for Lilongwe Police Station, and the Officer in Charge for Lingadzi Police Station are also expected to attend the meeting.
Earlier, Namiwa said they would not relent until the prevailing high-level impunity by some VAT-registered businesses ends.
The EIS, being implemented by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), is a software-based solution that enables taxpayers to issue electronic tax invoices, manage stock records, and transmit transaction data to MRA in real time.
However, some business owners remain defiant as their shops remain closed in a bid to force the government to change its decision on the matter.
They cite expenses and complexity, particularly in declaring stock values and complying with electronic invoicing procedures.
But MRA is refusing to succumb to such pressure; maintaining the initiative seeks to improve tax administration, transparency, and revenue collection.
Among others, CDEDI is accusing some businesspersons, particularly of Asian origin, of closing their shops to stop the implementation of the system.
It is therefore demanding the Ministry of Homeland Security to revoke the work and business permits of those protesting the EIS and Ministry of Trade and local councils to cancel the traders’ licenses.
(Picture shows Namiwa in a CDEDI golf-shirt leading previous demonstrations during the MCP regime.)
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