Politics of Malawi takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Malawi is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.
Today, Malawi has a democratic, multi-party republic headed by an elected president and has continued to experience peaceful transitions of power.
It has been more than twenty years since Malawi first held multiparty elections. While democracy has expanded freedom and justice, Malawi’s political transition after thirty years of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu Banda has not been without its hurdles.
The political risk in Malawi remains B-rated. Political stability is supported by well-entrenched democratic institutions, and the president, Lazarus Chakwera, has a strong grip on power.
Political rights and civil liberties groups in the outlook of things are largely respected by the state. On the contrary, they are tactically and secretly followed and intimidated by government machinery in a bid to silence them. Sometimes, they are openly challenged and stopped from protesting or leading protests under trumped-up charges.
However, corruption is endemic, police brutality is common, and Malawians are in severe economic distress. Discrimination and violence toward women, members of minority groups, and people with albinism remain problems.
Political stability
Malawi has enjoyed sustained peace and stable governments since independence in 1964. One-party rule ended in 1993. Since then, multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections have been held every five years. Malawi’s sixth tripartite elections were conducted in May 2019.
The president serves as head of state and government. The cabinet is appointed by the president. The legislature, the National Assembly, is unicameral; its members also are elected by universal suffrage and serve five-year terms.
However, it is only this time that Members of Parliament will serve six-year terms in office because of the fresh presidential elections which took place in 2020 and extended the next election dates. The election calendar was affected from 2024 to 2025 due to the judge’s opinion in the popular election court case which I found some errors.
Malawi is not developing. Government corruption, droughts, and floods affect agricultural yield, which directly impacts food security. Additionally, Malawi’s economy is strongly dependent on tobacco, which accounts for 69.5% of Malawi’s total exports—a fact that is increasingly problematic for Malawian families given the declining global demand for tobacco products.
I also think that Malawi is not developing because of rampant corruption. Many resources are not being put to good use and the country is not moving forward in the manner it should be. We keep getting huge loans from different lending institutions without putting the funds to their intended purpose. Most of our development projects are just on paper and for those that are taking place, they are of very low standards which cannot take us far and long.
Malawi can improve its economy. Key areas to focus on are, deepening macro-economic stability, reforming agricultural markets, re-igniting private sector investment, and revitalizing institutions’ ability to carry out reforms.
This country can develop. To ascertain immediate economic benefits for the people of Malawi arising from this strategic shift, the MGDS will in the next five years emphasize nine key priority areas of agriculture and food security; green-belt irrigation and water development; education, science, and technology; and transport infrastructure.
What we are saying is, ‘Let us focus on what Malawi needs’, because right now we are spending all our time focussing on who is right and who is wrong. Finger pointing won’t take us anywhere at all but we will simply fail as a nation to achieve our goals. Let us start fixing this country now.
Malawi is politically stable. The country has enjoyed sustained peace and stable governments since independence in 1964. One-party rule ended in 1993. Since then, multi-party presidential and parliamentary elections have been held every five years. Malawi’s sixth tripartite elections were conducted in May 2019.
The president serves as head of state and government. The cabinet is appointed by the president. The legislature, the National Assembly, is unicameral; its members also are elected by universal suffrage and serve five-year terms.
The current crisis
An estimated 3.8 million people in Malawi are facing severe acute food insecurity, with the situation projected to continue to worsen throughout 2023 because of high food prices, the depletion of food stocks, and the lean season (November–March).
We should consider large-scale irrigation farming for Malawi and I believe this could be one of the best solutions now and shortly. The November-March learn season is not helping much.
Reducing poverty in Malawi
To overcome these challenges, it is recommended to have a stronger focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and improving non-farm employment options. The latter requires redoubling efforts to support private sector-led investment and job creation, including in growing urban areas.
Conclusion
We can help Malawi. Donate to help children in Malawi, and around the world, survive and thrive. Your monthly donation will go toward addressing the needs of children affected by today’s most urgent issues. Give a unique and meaningful gift that will bring joy – and change lives.
Unfortunately, the most disappointing thing is the untrustworthiness of government employees employed and charged with a duty to distribute donations to the victims.
Instead of performing their duties, they end up stealing and sharing donations among themselves. There’s a tendency to act and think like animals, not caring for anyone who is in great need. We must have a conscience!
