Malawi 2014 elections: time to review electoral governance?

This seminar casts a spotlight on the controversy around Malawi's recent elections, and examines what it means for the future of democracy in this cou

Date: 2014-06-25

Time: 09:00 to 12:30

Venue: Dutch Embassy, 210 Florence Ribeiro (Queen Wilhelmina Avenue), Cnr Muckleneuk Street, Pretoria (map)

RSVP: Helen Chanda
Phone: +27 12 346 9500
Email: [email protected]

The future of Malawi’s democracy comes under the spotlight in this seminar.

Unlike the previous four general elections, the 2014 electoral process was one of controversy, turmoil and frustration. The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) referred the final decision of the polls to the High Court. However, many civil society organisations and Malawians remain unsatisfied with the ruling. 

The lack of an effective complaint mechanism within the elections management body, along with an unwillingness to investigate serious electoral anomalies, have led many to question just how free or fair these elections had been. The contention surrounding these elections might point to a need to review Malawi’s electoral governance framework. This seminar will diagnose what went wrong, examine the implications and options for future elections in Malawi and other SADC countries.

Chair: Gwinyayi Dzinesa, Senior Researcher, Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division, ISS Pretoria 

Speakers:

• Happy Kayuni, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi
• Baldwin Chiyamwaka, Consultant, Governance, Crime and Justice Division, ISS Pretoria