By Pastor Chitsulo:
Democracy has not lived up to its mandate in Malawi, causing mixed feelings and disenfranchisement among people.
Is our multiparty democracy to blame for the current irate and disgruntled mood of Malawians? Does the system condone anarchy, lawlessness, corruption and impunity?
Since Malawians came out in large numbers and voted for multiparty democracy, the system has not lived up to its full potential; hence, it has brought mixed feelings and disenfranchisement among many people and the system is yet to be fully utilised.
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It seems that the organs of government have become so disjointed that the country seems to be on autopilot. It seems the government has become a Cash cow for government officials and politicians, who have become masters of corruption and impunity. The prevalence of corruption is hindering economic growth and social development, thereby perpetuating inequality and exacerbating the already dire economic situation for marginalised communities.
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It is imperative for the government to prioritise anti-corruption efforts and establish mechanisms that promote accountability and good governance. Promoting a culture of integrity and ethical behaviour within government institutions can help combat corruption and maladministration, fostering a more efficient and effective system that prioritises the needs of people and the country.
Multiparty democracy is superior to one party rule because it accommodates a wider range of opinions and ideas. However, the system has not yet been fully instituted, as the government seems to ignore the drivers of the system, namely the Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, civil society organisations and the general public.
The main culprit has been the people with Down syndrome, who chose to frustrate the administration for reasons best known to themselves. Because of this syndrome, it has been very hard for the current administration to deliver the benefits of inclusive policy decision-making procedures, and public engagement has not yet been realised by the majority.
This shows that our multiparty system has not yet matured to the extent that all of us are pulling in the same direction for the betterment of Malawi.
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It is critical to realise that, for the system to be fully exploited, there is a need for politicians to actively participate in government business in order to transition from a one party system mentality. Some ignore their duties and concentrate on criticising the administration; such officials obstruct development and harm the nation as a whole.
Similarly, the opposition bench is not to negate government business of the day, but all members must realise that their responsibility extends beyond simple opposition and includes actively participating in societal development through productive discussions and enacting good legislation for change.
Only then can democracy really flourish and help the people. In this instance, if some parliamentarians have run out of ideas, they could initiate dialogue through regular town hall meetings, where they can address the concerns and issues of their constituents, unlike sitting mum and collecting fat allowances without playing a ball.
Political parties should prioritise educating their members on the importance of accountability and ensuring that their actions align with the needs and aspirations of the people they represent.
The other critical issue is that the lack of transparency and accountability in the system has eroded public trust and confidence in our political leaders, making it difficult for the government to gain support for its initiatives. The public must hold elected officials, whether in opposition or government, accountable and ensure active participation in democratic processes to prevent future setbacks.
Malawi needs a thorough constitutional review that truly reflects the aspirations and values of Malawian societies. The lack of a comprehensive constitutional review has resulted in a gap between the governance system and the needs of the people.
The constitutional review process should involve various stakeholders coming together to bang heads and the government can ensure that the new constitution reflects the unique needs and aspirations of the Malawian people. This will help establish a solid foundation for a transparent and accountable multiparty democracy that will foster a sense of ownership and trust among Malawian people.
This inclusive approach will enable the government to address any existing gaps or inconsistencies in the current constitution. This will pave the way for a more effective and responsive system of governance.
Calls for a constitutional review do not necessarily take the current administration off the hook. It should address the critical issues facing the country so that it can steer it toward progress and stability.
It would also help to address the underlying issues of lack of trust and disenfranchisement among the public, as well as provide a solid foundation for the President’s efforts to bring about the necessary reforms.
In conclusion, it is imperative that all players in the system play ball so that those in power implement measures to hold those who ignore or undermine the system accountable. This attitude would further strengthen the government’s ability to restore faith in the system and move forward with the development agenda. Only then can our leaders exploit the multiparty system to bring positive change to the lives of Malawians.
Appreciate multiparty democracy and transform the country. This can only be achieved through a constitutional review agreed upon by the majority of the Malawian people.
