Malawi

The Republic of Malawi is a land-locked nation, in Southern Africa, although sometimes it is considered to also be situated in Eastern Africa. It is bordered by Tanzania to the north, Zambia on the north-west, and Mozambique on the east, south, and west. Lake Malawi comprises about a fifth of the country's territory and it is stretched through most of its eastern border. The origins for the name Malawi remains unclear; it is held to be either derived from that of southern tribes, or noting the 'glitter of the sun rising across the lake' (as seen in its flag).

Politics

Main article: Politics of Malawi

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Government of Malawi has been a multi-party democracy since 1994. Under the 1995 constitution, the president, who is both chief of state and head of the government, is chosen through universal direct suffrage every 5 years. Malawi has a vice president who is elected with the president. The president has the option of appointing a second vice president, who must be from a different political party. The members of the presidentially appointed cabinet can be drawn from either within or outside of the legislature. Malawi's National Assembly has 193 seats, all directly elected to serve 5-year terms. The constitution also provides for a second chamber, a Senate of 80 seats, but to date no action has been taken to create the Senate. The Senate is intended to provide representation for traditional leaders and the different geographical districts, as well as various special interest groups, such as women, youth, and the disabled.

Related Topics:
Democracy - 1994 - 1995 - Constitution - President - Chief of state - Head of the government - Direct suffrage - Vice president - Political party - National Assembly - Senate

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The constitution provides for an independent judiciary. Malawi's judicial system, based on the English model, is made up of magisterial lower courts, a High Court, and a Supreme Court of Appeal. Local government is carried out in 28 districts within three regions administered by regional administrators and district commissioners who are appointed by the central government. Local elections, the first in the multi-party era, took place in on November 21, 2000. The UDF party won 70% of the seats in this election.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The third multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections, originally planned for May 18, 2004 were postponed by two days following a High Court appeal by the main opposition Mgwirizano (Unity) coalition. The run-up to the poll was overshadowed by opposition claims of irregularities in the voters' roll. European Union and Commonwealth observers said although voting passed peacefully, they were concerned about "serious inadequacies" in the poll.

Related Topics:
May 18 - 2004 - Mgwirizano - European Union - Commonwealth

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~