Tag Archives: Afrobarometer

Politics

Umodzi Party’s Reckless Disregard for Afrobarometer’s Credibility

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The Umodzi Party’s recent statement condemning the Afrobarometer survey’s findings, which suggest that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) holds a lead over the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) in voter preference, is a stark example of political gamesmanship at its worst.

As a key member of the Tonse Alliance, the Umodzi Party’s categorical rejection of the survey’s credibility and methodology is not only unjustified but also damaging to the democratic process.

A Lack of Confidence in the Survey’s Validity

The Umodzi Party’s claims that the Afrobarometer survey fails to capture the true pulse of Malawians, citing a limited sample size and lack of inclusivity, are unfounded and lack concrete evidence.

Afrobarometer has been conducting research for over twenty years, earning international recognition for its rigorous methodology and unbiased approach.

It is essential to acknowledge the credibility of such an established institution, especially when their findings contradict the Umodzi Party’s own interests.

MCP’s Popularity Conundrum

The fact that the MCP is not as popular as the Umodzi Party would like to believe is evident in the survey’s findings.

Instead of accepting the results and working to improve the party’s standing, the Umodzi Party chooses to question the survey’s validity and discredit the institution.

This approach only serves to undermine the democratic process and perpetuate a culture of distrust.

A Call to Action

The Umodzi Party should focus on genuine engagement with the Malawian people, rather than attempting to manipulate public opinion through discredited surveys.

They should work tirelessly to address the concerns and needs of the citizens, rather than relying on dubious claims and baseless accusations.

By doing so, they can establish themselves as a credible force in Malawian politics.

A Brighter Future for Malawi

The Tonse Alliance’s commitment to serving the people with transparency, equity, and determination is commendable.

However, this commitment must be matched by a willingness to accept the results of credible surveys and engage in constructive dialogue with opposing parties.

Only through such efforts can Malawi truly progress towards a brighter future.

Conclusion

The Umodzi Party’s rejection of the Afrobarometer survey’s findings is a misguided attempt to undermine the democratic process.

Rather than questioning the survey’s credibility, they should focus on genuine engagement with the Malawian people and work towards establishing themselves as a credible force in politics.

By doing so, they can help build a brighter future for Malawi, where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected.

Politics

Malawi akulowera ku chigwembe – Kafukufuku wa Afrobarometer

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

Kafukufuku watsopano wofalitsidwa pa 6 December ndi gulu la Afrobarometer wawonetsa kuti Malawi akuyenda mochita kuzemba ndipo akulowera kolakwika. Zotsatira za kafukufukuyu zikuwonetsa kusakhutira kwa anthu ndi kayendetsedwe ka boma komanso kuwunika komwe kwatsimikiza kuti chipani cha Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chili ndi mwayi waukulu wopambana pa chisankho cha 2025.

Malinga ndi kafukufuku, ambiri mwa anthu omwe anafunsidwa akuwonetsa kukhumudwa ndi momwe zinthu zilili mdzikolo. Zinthu ngati kuchuluka kwa mtengo wa moyo, kusowa kwa ntchito, ndi umbanda wazachuma (corruption) zalengezedwa ngati zinthu zomwe zikulepheretsa chitukuko cha dziko lino.

Mmodzi mwa akatswiri omwe atchulidwa m’nkhaniyo akuti:
“Ngati zinthu sizisintha posachedwa, Malawi akuyenda mosalekeza ku chigwembe cha chuma ndi ndale zosakhazikika.”

Zotsatira za kafukufukuyu zikuwonetsa kuti chipani cha DPP, chomwe chili m’mpando wotsutsa, chikuyembekezera kuchita bwino pa chisankho cha 2025. Afrobarometer yati kuchuluka kwa zovuta zomwe boma likukumana nazo pansi pa utsogoleri wa Tonse Alliance ndi chimodzi mwazifukwa zomwe anthu ambiri akuonera mwayi wa chipani cha DPP kuti achite bwino.

Chipani cha DPP chalandiridwa ndi anthu ambiri ngati njira yothandizira kuti zinthu zibwerere m’malo, ngakhale akatswiri ena akuchenjeza kuti chipani chili chilinso ndi mbiri ya mavuto omwe angakhudze mwayi wake.

Malinga ndi Afrobarometer, zotsatira za kafukufuku zimanena za malingaliro a anthu pa nthawi yomwe kafukufuku wachitikira, zomwe sizitanthauza kuti zotsatira zake ndi zomveka pa nthawi yonse. Komabe, zotsatira izi zikupereka chithunzithunzi cha momwe chisankho chikhoza kuyendera ngati zinthu sizisintha.

Kafukufukuyu akuwonjezanso kufunikira kwa atsogoleri a dziko lino kuganizira kwambiri za zomwe zikukhudza anthu tsiku ndi tsiku, monga kuchepetsa mtengo wa moyo, kulimbikitsa ntchito, ndi kuthana ndi umbanda wa zachuma.

Zotsatira za kafukufuku wa Afrobarometer zimapereka chenjezo lalikulu kwa atsogoleri a boma ndi m’mbali zonse za ndale mdziko muno. Ngakhale anthu ena akhoza kuona mwayi mwa chipani cha DPP, zambiri mwa zomwe zikufunikira ndi kusintha kwa kayendetsedwe ka zinthu kuti dziko liziwonanso tsogolo labwino.

Development, Malawi

Afrobarometer report: Chakwera gets distinction in social services delivery

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Results of Afrobarometer survey have revealed that incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera’s government is making laudable strides in the delivery of social services to Malawians in the country, compared to all previous regimes.

According to the findings of the results, released earlier today in Blantyre, the majority of Malawians think that the Chakwera-led government is handling well public service delivery, with 41 percent (fairly well) of respondents stating that government is on course in the provision of water and sanitation, while 26 percent think the government is doing ‘very well’ on the same.

Combined, it means 67 percent of Malawians think that the government is ‘handling well’ matters concerning the provision of water and sanitation.

From an international perspective, it means that Malawi government, under Chakwera, is investing more energy and resources in the provision of clean water.

This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal six (SDG 6) whose aim is achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030.

The findings also show that 59 percent of Malawians are satisfied with Chakwera-administration’s way of handling reliable supply of electricity in the country.

According to Afrobarometer, government is also performing highly in the provision of other public services such as addressing educational needs, resolving violent conflicts, maintaining roads and bridges, among others.

Meanwhile, several economic and governance experts have concurred with the findings, especially on the provision of key social amenities to Malawians, stating that the current administration is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to infrastructure development and the rate at which social services have improved over the years.

The experts, for example, cite the steady supply of electricity over the years under the watch of Chakwera.

Malawians have been enjoying relatively stable electricity supply over the past two years, thanks to multi-billion kwacha investments in generation and transmission capacity.

The steady supply has brought to a minimum power blackouts and load shedding that became so pronounced under the Peter Mutharika administration, Chakwera’s predecessor.

The investment in the power sector followed the devastation of Kapichira hydro power station, whose 129.6 megawatts or 33 percent of the country’s power capacity was taken off from the national grid because of cyclone Anna in Jan 2022.

As such, the stability in the energy sector has helped industries to be revamped and to operate on full scale. Chakwera has set a target of Malawi’s electricity generation capacity of 1000 megawatts come 2025.

“Social services highlighted in the report address the most pressing needs of Malawians—tangible developments they can witness—unlike political populism, which remains subjective and tied to individual perceptions or political affiliations,” said social commentator Humphreys Mvula.

Another commentator, Billie Banda, observed that the findings provide valuable insights across the political spectrum.

However, he emphasised that by excelling in social service delivery, Chakwera holds a distinct advantage over his rivals in next year’s elections.

“Voters will focus on the tangible outcomes of Chakwera’s leadership, not merely on personal aspirations. The report makes it clear that the country is on the right path under his administration,” Banda said.

Afrobarometer is a survey research network that provides data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance and quality of life.

Politics

Road to 2025: Opposition DPP tipped to win polls

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is poised to govern again if general elections were held in August this year.

According to the latest Afrobarometer report shows that DPP would take the lead followed by the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Releasing the results on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Blantyre, the report discloses that UTM would follow at position three with the UDF in tail.

However, none of the parties has a 50 per cent support of those who will have voted.

DPP leads at 43 per cent, MCP follows at a distance 29 per cent, UTM a remote 7 per cent and UDF two per cent.

The results of the survey comes barely nine months before Malawi goes to polls in September 17, 2025.

Politics

Opposition DPP unhappy with Afrobarometer

Maravi Post Author

..allegedly conspires with some UNIMA academics to manipulate data


By Thomas Kachali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is reportedly unhappy with the recent Afrobarometer report and is allegedly conspiring with some academics at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) to manipulate the findings, sources have revealed.

The Afrobarometer results, released on Thursday, have angered DPP leaders, who sources say are determined to present an alternate narrative that would suggest the MCP government is widely unpopular among Malawians.

According to insiders from UNIMA, key figures within the DPP have been actively engaging certain academics, urging them to release results that could paint a negative picture of the current government’s support base.

“The DPP is desperate to control the narrative and they see these results as a potential threat to their 2025 election prospects,” one source disclosed under the condition of anonymity.

“They are trying to create a perception that Malawians do not want this government, which is far from the findings,” he added.

The alleged interference has sparked concern among political analysts and civil society organisations, who are warning of dangerous implications if academic institutions become tools of political manipulation.

Political analyst Chikumbutso Banda condemned the alleged collusion between the DPP and UNIMA academics, warning that it threatens the integrity of independent research in Malawi.

“If the DPP is indeed influencing academics to manipulate Afrobarometer findings, it sets a dangerous precedent for our democratic institutions,” said Banda.

“The public relies on Afrobarometer and similar surveys for objective assessments of governance. Any manipulation of such data erodes public trust and weakens our democratic processes,” he added.

Banda pointed out that Afrobarometer’s reputation is built on years of unbiased research across the continent and emphasised that attempts to politicise the data for partisan gains could diminish the credibility of the institution and undermine public confidence in the democratic system.

“What happens if we start disbelieving verified data? People will turn to rumours and misinformation and that is a recipe for national chaos,” warned Banda.

Civil society organisations have also raised concerns, calling for UNIMA’s independence and urging academics to prioritise academic integrity over political alliances.

Mary Chirwa, a spokesperson for the Civil Society Platform for Democracy, criticised the DPP’s alleged actions as a threat to Malawi’s fragile democracy.

“The notion that a political party is trying to manipulate research results to mislead the public is deeply disturbing. It reflects a complete disregard for democratic norms and academic freedom,” said Chirwa.

“Our universities should be centres of objective thought, not vehicles for political agendas. We expect our scholars to stand firm in upholding truth and integrity. Succumbing to political influence compromises the entire educational system and denies Malawians access to the facts they need to make informed decisions,” she said.

The alleged DPP-UNIMA conspiracy has ignited fresh debates about Malawi’s political climate as the country inches closer to the 2025 general elections.

Analysts warn that the desperation to control public opinion suggests heightened anxiety among opposition parties.

Commentator Blessings Mbewe observed that such allegations point to a broader strategy within the DPP to challenge the legitimacy of the ruling MCP-led government.

“It appears the DPP is not confident about its popularity and is therefore resorting to such underhanded tactics. This can only lead to deeper divisions in our society,” said Mbewe.

“If political parties continue down this path of disinformation and manipulation, we risk moving towards an era where truth and fact no longer matter. Malawians deserve leaders who respect their right to the truth,” he said.

The Centre for Social Research (CSR) director Joseph Chunga asked for time to investigate the allegations while DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba cut the line when this reporter introduced the subject matter.

Political interference in academic work, as suggested by these allegations, may not only mar Malawi’s political landscape but also threaten the independence of institutions that the country’s democracy relies on.

For now, it remains to be seen if UNIMA academics will bow to pressure or uphold the standards of unbiased academic research.

corruption, Law and order, Malawi

Malawi Police accepts being most corrupt public agency

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has accepted Afrobarometer’s report which indicates that the institution is most corrupt public institution in the country.

According to the report, MPS is said to be on top of the eleven most corrupt institutions in Malawi with 42 percent, seconded by Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) with 39 percent respectively.

Namwaza: We are to improve on corruption

MPS statement signed by its Public Relations Officer Harry Namwaza dated on April 14, 2022 accepts the research findings and applauds the research institution for the surveys saying give window on areas of improvement.

MPS recalls that in 2018, the Afrobarometer conducted the same research and that it also topped the list of the most corrupt institutions in Malawi with 83 percent.

The security body says hearing that it has topped the list with only 42 percent means now the institution is doing a tremendous work in fighting against corruption in the country.

The institution highlights that in a quest to fight corruption in the country, it developed and sincerely implemented on Anti-Corruption Policy, Strengthened Professional Standards Unit, an accountability mechanism and resuscitated institutional integrity committees.

“Further, the MPS works hand in hand with the Anti-Corruption Bureau to ensure that all those found to be involved in corrupt practices are brought to book. The MPS further informs the public that it always steps up its efforts to take action whenever there is a complaint of corruption against any individual police officers.

This can evidently be shown by arrests and prosecution of some errant police officers, reversion of some police officers from traffic branches and Criminal Investigation Department ( CID) to general duties,” reads a statement in part.

MPS has therefore called on the public to put a concerted effort by reporting corruption cases that may involve police officers to any independent body so that such cases can be dealt accordingly.

The institution has also assured the public that it will continue fighting cases of corruption involving errant police officers in its service so as to serve populace well in a fair and transparent manner.

Lifestyle, Malawi

“Malawi’s Northern region highly practices witchcraft”-Afrobarometer

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Afrobarometer report indicates that a majority of Malawians; men (82) percent than women (77) percent believe in the existence of witchcraft regardless of where they come from.

According to the findings Urban and rural residents equally believe in witchcraft, as are rich and poor citizens.

The report discloses that educated citizens are more likely to believe in witchcraft than those with no formal education.

witchcraft practice in Malawi

The report has revealed that witchcraft is highest in the Northern region (90%) and lowest in the Central region (73%).

On calls to criminalise witchcraft practice, 72 percent of Malawians agree with this stand.

During the report dissemination workshop, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation’s Executive Director, Michael Kayiyatsa suggested that there should be a way of addressing the challenge of proving witchcraft practice even though a lot of Malawians believe in it.

Afrobarometer is pan-african, non-partisan research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life.

corruption, Malawi

“Malawi Police Service, MRA most corrupt public agencies”-Afrobarometer

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-A research done by Afrobarometer research network has revealed that Malawi Police Service ( MPS) is the institution that tops the chart of most corrupt public institutions in the country.

According to its research findings, Afrobarometer says Malawi Police is on number one of the 11 listed institutions with 42% corruption rate while Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is on second position with 39%.

Afrobarometer report

The chart list further shows that Judges and Magistrates are less corrupt individuals with 30% corruption rate followed by Non-Governmental Organizations with 25% corruption rate.

The research reveals that 66% of Malawian citizens say the government is performing ” fairly badly or very badly” at fighting corruption while more than eight in 10 Malawians ( 83%) agree with the idea that cabinet ministers and government officials charged with corruption should be fired immediately.

“However, 57% of respondents suspects who refund proceeds from corruption should be granted amnesty.

” Two-thirds ( 66%) of Malawians say that corruption has increased over the past year, including 57% who say it has increased” a lot”,” reads part of the research report.

It adds, “Almost eight in 10 Malawians (78%) say people risk retaliation or other negative consequences if they report corruption to the authorities”.

Afrobarometer further says for government that campaigned on zero tolerance for corruption badly is in need of resources to improve service delivery.

Afrobarometer is pan-african, non-partisan research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life.

Malawi, Top News

Afrobarometer will not conduct an opinion poll for Malawi’s 2019 elections-Dulani

Maravi Post Reporter

DULANI— Afrobarometer has its own schedule

 

By Nenenji Mlangeni

ZOMBA-(MaraviPost)-Afrobarometer —an independent pan-African research network—has ruled out the possibility of them doing May 21 2019 pre-tripartite election survey for Malawi.

In 2014, Afrobarometer’s poll predicted correctly that the now ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would win elections in that year, ousting the then governing People’s Party.

Boniface Dulani, Afrobarometer Southern Africa Operations Manager on Monday disclosed that Malawi was not part of their current cycle of the regular survey.

“Afrobarometer hasn’t done any survey and it is not doing any survey until early 2020. Afrobarometer has its own schedule which does not necessarily follow that of elections of any country,” he said.

The organisation operates in some 35 countries in Africa and is focusing on a seventh cycle elsewhere.

Dulani said their focus is not only on elections but broad including governance issues, adding that they rarely do survey a few months before and after elections. Donors can fund such surveys in some cases.

Afrobarometer operates in countries such as Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Egypt, eSwatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Zambia, Benin, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Because the instrument asks a standard set of questions, countries can be systematically compared.

Trends in public attitudes are tracked over time. Results are shared with decision-makers, policy advocates, civic educators, journalists, researchers, donors and investors, as well as average Africans who wish to become more informed and active citizens