By Mercy Matonga:
Analysts have predicted that Malawians can expect a more exciting year as the country approaches the general elections in September.
The analysts also shared their views on electoral alliances, with some predicting a possible re-run, as major political parties appear eager to run independently in the election.
One political scientist, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, suggests that there will be a lot of drama, as some prominent figures may fail to win the elections.
“The country has faced many challenges this year. This will force some big names out of the system, as people no longer trust them,” Tsitsi said.
He added that a re-run is possible, as some major parties seem eager to contest alone ahead of the election.
“There is no party that can win on its own. This will force the first- and second-placed parties to enter into an alliance during the re-run,” Tsitsi said.
Commenting on alliances, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency Executive Director Willy Kambwandira said it is high time Malawians pushed Parliament to establish a legal framework that binds and guides the pacts.
“We must hold both politicians and political parties accountable for their performance and unfulfilled campaign promises,” Kambwandira said.
He added that Malawians should expect another round of unrealistic campaign promises, coupled with questionable expenditure by politicians.
“As a governance and accountability expert, I encourage the electorate to demand accountability regarding the implementation of previous campaign promises and to begin questioning the source of funds for various political party activities.
“Malawians must demand transparency and accountability in political party financing because this is what breeds corruption and state capture,” Kambwandira said.
University of Malawi expert in legislative, electoral politics and public policy, Gift Sambo, said governments tend to relax on governance issues as elections approach.
He explained that this happens because all energies are concentrated on the quest to cement their hold on power.
“In terms of the development agenda, we should expect the ruling party to focus more on populist interventions at the expense of established frameworks,” Sambo said.
Sambo suggested that emerging alliances will not be based on ideological conviction but will be driven by the quest for political survival.
“At the moment, most political parties are power-hungry and in such a context, the alliance game provides a chance to attain power, especially for the opposition, and an opportunity to cement their hold on power for the ruling party.
“However, I would not be surprised to see the alliance games converging into the creation of two major camps, one led by governing Malawi Congress Party and the other by [main opposition] Democratic Progressive Party,” Sambo said.
Malawians are expected to cast their votes on September 16 this year. Seven million Malawians registered during the voter registration process.
The exercise has been extended to give those who were unable to register due to various challenges, including issues with the National Registration Bureau systems, another opportunity.
