DOCSLIB.ORG

Malawi | Freedom House

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Malawi | Freedom House Malawi | Freedom House https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/malawi A. ELECTORAL PROCESS: 8 / 12 A1. Was the current head of government or other chief national authority elected through free and fair elections? 3 / 4 In Malawi, the president is directly elected for five-year terms and exercises considerable executive authority. Malawi’s last general election was held in 2014. The polls were marred by logistical problems and postelection controversy surrounding allegations of vote rigging made by incumbent president Joyce Banda, but were largely regarded as credible by local and international observers. Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was declared the winner, with 36 percent of the vote. Lazarus Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) placed second, with 28 percent. A2. Were the current national legislative representatives elected through free and fair elections? 3 / 4 The unicameral National Assembly is comprised of 193 members elected by popular vote to five-year terms. The last legislative elections, held concurrently with the presidential election in 2014, were generally regarded as credible, despite a number of irregularities and logistical problems. In the parliamentary elections, the DPP won the most seats with 50. A3. Are the electoral laws and framework fair, and are they implemented impartially by the relevant election management bodies? 2 / 4 Although it lacks resources and is often unprepared to carry out elections, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is generally viewed as impartial. Two biometric voter registration kits went missing in August 2018, which led to further questions about the MEC’s competence. Civil society groups and opposition parties demanded an independent investigation into the loss of the equipment, but authorities had not complied with these demands at year’s end. International analysts have called for requiring political parties to disclose their sources of financing and to report on campaign spending. B. POLITICAL PLURALISM AND PARTICIPATION: 12 / 16 B1. Do the people have the right to organize in different political parties or other competitive political groupings of their choice, and is the system free of undue obstacles to the rise and fall of these competing parties or groupings? 3 / 4 1 of 7 7/16/2019, 3:41 PM Malawi | Freedom House https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/malawi Malawi has four main political parties—the DPP, the MCP, the People’s Party (PP), and the United Democratic Front (UDF)—all of which have held power at some point. The parties are loosely formed, with politicians frequently moving between parties or breaking away to form their own parties. For the most part, people can organize in political parties without undue burden. However, the government has frequently held up the registration of new parties that present a threat to the incumbent. In July 2018, Vice President Saulos Chilima left the ruling DPP to form his own party, the United Transformation Movement (UTM). The party’s registration was rejected on a technicality related to the party’s name. In November, the High Court in Blantyre ruled that the party should be registered within seven days. The attorney general appealed the decision to the Supreme Court of Appeal, which upheld the ruling, and the UTM was subsequently registered. B2. Is there a realistic opportunity for the opposition to increase its support or gain power through elections? 3 / 4 Political parties are generally able to campaign freely throughout the country. Opposition parties have demonstrated their ability to grow their support and gain power through elections. However, an opposition party has never defeated an elected incumbent party since the transition to democracy in 1994. Although President Mutharika defeated Joyce Banda of the PP in 2014, Banda only came to power in 2012 after the death of Mutharika’s older brother, former president Bingu wa Muthariku, who was also a member of the DPP. The playing field during election campaigns is often skewed toward the governing party. During the year, opposition parties accused the state-owned broadcaster, the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), of bias toward the DPP in its coverage of the upcoming 2019 general elections. As a result, opposition parties have sought exposure from private broadcasters. Opposition parties sometimes face violence and intimidation. In April 2018, DPP youths reportedly attacked MCP supporters during the campaign for a parliamentary by-election in Mulanje. B3. Are the people’s political choices free from domination by the military, foreign powers, religious hierarchies, economic oligarchies, or any other powerful group that is not democratically accountable? 3 / 4 Local traditional leaders can have an influence on voters’ choices, especially in smaller villages. Some chiefs have publically endorsed the incumbent, which is likely to sway the opinion of their constituents. In December 2018, the government implemented a 100 percent increase in the financial honoraria chiefs receive for service to their communities. Some opposition leaders suggested that the move was intended to solidify chiefs’ support for the DPP ahead of the 2019 polls. To address vote buying, which has been frequently employed by political parties in past elections, in 2017 the parliament passed the Political Parties Act, which came into force in December 2018. The law bans politicians from using cash handouts and other incentives to garner votes. 2 of 7 7/16/2019, 3:41 PM Malawi | Freedom House https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/malawi B4. Do various segments of the population (including ethnic, religious, gender, LGBT, and other relevant groups) have full political rights and electoral opportunities? 3 / 4 All ethnic, religious, and gender groups have full political rights. However, women remain underrepresented in politics, and according to Afrobarometer, are less likely than men to become politically involved. In May 2018, the MEC announced that women would pay 25 percent less than men to register as a parliamentary candidate in the 2019 elections, in an effort to encourage more female candidates. While more women ran as candidates in the 2014 elections, only 32 were elected to the 193-seat National Assembly. Political parties often appeal to ethnic, regional, and religious groups. The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community faces societal discrimination, and political parties do not advocate for LGBT rights in their platforms. In 2018, six people with albinism declared their intention to run for the parliament or local races in the 2019 elections, in an effort to advocate for their rights and highlight ongoing discrimination against the marginalized group. C. FUNCTIONING OF GOVERNMENT: 6 / 12 C1. Do the freely elected head of government and national legislative representatives determine the policies of the government? 3 / 4 Executive and legislative representatives are generally able to determine the policies of government unhindered. However, patronage and clientelism are common, and wealthy business leaders often have great influence over policymaking, forging relationships with elected officials and extracting policy outcomes favorable to their business interests. C2. Are safeguards against official corruption strong and effective? 1 / 4 Corruption is endemic in Malawi. Civil society leaders have accused the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB), which is responsible for investigating corruption, of being ineffective and compromised. A number of major corruption scandals have shaken Malawi in recent years, and high-level officials have generally acted with impunity. Former agriculture minister George Chaponda, who allegedly facilitated maize purchases from Zambia in 2016 at an inflated price, in a corruption scandal known as Maizegate, was acquitted on graft charges related to the purchases in May 2018. A report by the ACB which was leaked in June contained allegations that President Mutharika received a kickback in 2016 from a $4 million contract with a firm to provide food to the police force. Mutharika vehemently denied the claims, while civil society leaders called for the president’s resignation. C3. Does the government operate with openness and transparency? 2 / 4 Malawi lacks budgetary transparency; the government still fails to make year-end budget audit reports available to the public. 3 of 7 7/16/2019, 3:41 PM Malawi | Freedom House https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2019/malawi At year’s end, the Access to Information Act, which was signed into law in 2017, had still not come into effect. Civil society groups sharply criticized the government for its failure to implement the law. Laws require high-level public officials to declare their assets and other financial interests while in public service. Mutharika declared his assets in 2015, but many legislators and other officials fail to do so. President Mutharika took no action against cabinet minister Grace Chiumia, who reportedly failed to declare her assets in 2017, despite an October 2018 letter from the director of public officers’ declarations recommending that she be removed from office. D. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND BELIEF: 14 / 16 (+1) D1. Are there free and independent media? 3 / 4 Freedom of the press is legally guaranteed and generally respected in practice. However, news outlets have experienced intimidation. In June 2018, authorities shut down the headquarters of the Times Group media conglomerate, whose outlets have criticized
Load more

Recommended publications
  • MALAWI COUNTRY of ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT COI Service
    MALAWI COUNTRY OF ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT COI Service 31 OCTOBER 2012 MALAWI 31 OCTOBER 2012 Contents Preface Useful news sources for further information Paragraphs Background Information 1. GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................ 1.01 Map ........................................................................................................................ 1.05 2. ECONOMY ................................................................................................................ 2.01 3. HISTORY ................................................................................................................. 3.01 Local government elections ................................................................................ 3.05 Foreign donor aid to Malawi suspended ............................................................ 3.07 Anti-government protests: July 2011 ................................................................. 3.10 4. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 2012) ......................................... 4.01 5. CONSTITUTION .......................................................................................................... 5.01 6. POLITICAL SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 6.01 Human Rights 7. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 7.01 8. SECURITY FORCES ...................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Advancing Women Leaders in Africa
    GLOBAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE ADVANCING WOMEN LEADERS IN AFRICA A Policy Toolkit from Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda Former President of Malawi The Women in Public Service Project 1 WILSON CENTER Mission Gwen K. Young, The Wilson Center, chartered by Congress as the official memorial to President Director Woodrow Wilson, is the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global Marie A. Principe, issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable Program Associate ideas for the policy community. Ellysse Dick, Research: Who We Are Communications Assistant The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is the official memorial to our nation’s 28th president. More than just a collection of marble pillars and Special thanks to Elizabeth famous quotes, the Center is “a living memorial,” a gathering place for some of Grossman for providing the best and brightest scholars and experts from around the world. Their work is research, writing and ed- the centerpiece of our activity and informs the nation’s public policy debates with iting support for this publi- nonpartisan and relevant research and information. cation, and to Ellysse Dick and the Wilson Center Reason: What We Do design team for the design and layout. At the Wilson Center, preeminent scholars and experts research topics of national and international relevance. In the spirit of President Wilson, we build a bridge between the worlds of academia and public policy, to inform and develop solutions to the nation’s problems and challenges. Democracy is built on the About the notion of an informed and active citizenry.
    [Show full text]
  • Amir, Abbas Review Palestinian Situation
    QATAR | Page 4 SPORT | Page 1 Dreama Former F1 holds champion forum Niki Lauda for foster dies at 70 families published in QATAR since 1978 WEDNESDAY Vol. XXXX No. 11191 May 22, 2019 Ramadan 17, 1440 AH GULF TIMES www. gulf-times.com 2 Riyals Amir, Abbas review Palestinian situation His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Amiri Diwan yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed the situation in Palestine, where Abbas briefed the Amir on the latest developments, and expressed sincere thanks to His Highness the Amir for Qatar’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and for its standing with the Palestinian people in facing the diff icult circumstances and challenges. The meeting was attended by a number of ministers and members of the off icial delegation accompanying the Palestinian president. His Highness the Amir hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of the Palestinian president and the delegation accompanying him at the Amiri Diwan. The banquet was attended by a number of ministers. In brief QATAR | Reaction Accreditation programme Qatar condemns armed New Trauma & Emergency attack in northeast India launched for cybersecurity Qatar has strongly condemned the armed attack which targeted Centre opens partially today audit service providers a convoy of vehicles in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast QNA before being discharged. QNA Abdullah, stressed on the importance India, killing many people including Doha The new facility, which is located on Doha of working within the framework of the a local MP and injuring others.
    [Show full text]
  • Malawi: Recent Developments and U.S
    Malawi: Recent Developments and U.S. Relations Nicolas Cook Specialist in African Affairs December 11, 2012 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R42856 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Malawi: Recent Developments and U.S. Relations Summary President Barack Obama’s Administration and a number of Members of Congress have welcomed Malawian President Joyce Banda’s accession to power, largely because she has reversed a number of contentious decisions taken by her predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in early April 2012 while serving a contentious second term. Banda’s status as Africa’s second female president, an internationally recognized women’s rights advocate, and a leader with personal socioeconomic development expertise has also drawn U.S. and other international support. There are also some indications that Banda may pursue a foreign policy aligned with selected U.S. regional policy goals. In August 2012, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to Malawi for discussions of economic and political governance and reform and to highlight bilateral development cooperation projects. In September Banda addressed a gathering of Members of Congress at a forum on U.S.-Malawian and broader U.S.-African relations. Malawi, a former British colony, is a small, poor country in southeastern Africa that underwent a democratic transition from one-party rule in the early 1990s and has long relied on donor aid. Under Mutharika, however, Malawi’s ties with donors had been damaged over concerns related to economic management, undemocratic governance trends, and Mutharika’s acrimonious stance toward donors. Upon taking office, Banda—who had served as Mutharika’s vice president and therefore succeeded him upon his death—made a range of economic and governance reform pledges and related policy decisions.
    [Show full text]
  • Two 'Transitions': the Political Economy of Joyce Banda's Rise To
    Two ‘transitions’: The political economy of Joyce Banda’s rise to power and the related role of civil society organisations in Malawi Clive Gabay (2014) Two ‘transitions’: the political economy of Joyce Banda's rise to power and the related role of civil society organisations in Malawi, Review of African Political Economy, 41:141, 374- 388, DOI: 10.1080/03056244.2014.901949 On Friday November 2nd 2012, the front pages of most Malawian newspapers carried a story about sacks of famine-relief maize being distributed in rural areas of Malawi stamped with the initials of the president, Joyce Bandai. Banda had assumed the presidency in contested circumstances, when her predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, had suddenly died from a heart attack in April 2012. As vice president, Banda had quit the president’s party to form her own party (the Peoples’ Party) prior to these events. Members of Mutharika’s Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) thus manoeuvred to have Mutharika’s brother installed as president (Singini, 2013: 85-86), even though this would have flouted the constitution, which stated that the vice-president should assume presidential office in case of the sitting president’s demise. A constellation of forces, including military, civil society, judicial and media support for the constitutional provision (Yi Dionne and Dulani, 2012), meant that the constitution prevailed and Banda was installed as president. This paper assesses the situation in Malawi in part with reference to published and unpublished claims and allegations, which should not be inferred as representing the views of the author. In combination with what was the most vibrant anti-government protests for nearly 20 years, Banda’s ascent was interpreted by the Western political establishment as representing an optimistic new turn in Malawian politics and the region more broadly, following Mutharika’s steady descent into authoritarianism.
    [Show full text]
  • Malawi Makes History: the Opposition Wins Presidential Election Rerun
    CODESRIA Bulletin Online, No. 4, July 2020 Page 1 Online Article Malawi Makes History: The Opposition Wins Presidential Election Rerun This piece first appeared on the author’s linked-in page June( 28, 2020) a n d has been republished here with his permission n Saturday, June 27, 2020 In the struggles for democratiza- Malawi became the first Paul Tiyambe Zeleza tion, for the “second independ- Ocountry in Africa where a Vice Chancellor ence” in the 1980s and early 1990s, presidential election rerun was won United States International Malawi’s political culture was by the opposition. On February 3, University, Kenya buoyed by the emergence of strong 2020 Malawi became the second social movements. These move- country on the continent where the ments coalesced most prominently Constitutional Court nullified the power since 2004, save for a brief around the Public Affairs Commit- presidential election of May 21, interlude. The two-year interval was tee and the Human Rights Defend- 2019 because of widespread, sys- the presidency of Joyce Banda fol- ers Coalition. Formed in 1992 as a tematic, and grave irregularities lowing the death of Bingu wa Muth- pressure group of religious com- and anomalies that compromised arika in April 2012 and the election munities and other forces, PAC the right to vote and the democratic of Peter Mutharika, the late Bingu’s became a highly respected and in- choice of citizens. The first country brother, in May 2014. fluential political actor. While PAC was Kenya where the presidential functioned as a civil interlocutor election of August 8, 2017 was an- This reflects, secondly, Malawi’s for democracy, the HRDC flexed nulled by the Supreme Court on political culture of collective na- its political muscles in organizing September 1, 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis Is Dedicated to My Late Father Munawar Islam Zubairi and My Mother Nasim Fatima Zubairi
    A district level study on the deployment, allocation and utilisation of teachers between and within Malawi’s primary schools: an accountability and political settlements approach Asma Zubairi Lucy Cavendish College October 2020 This dissertation is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my late father Munawar Islam Zubairi and my mother Nasim Fatima Zubairi. Without you I could not have done this PhD as you both placed such importance on education from when I was very young and allowed me to embark on a journey which would not have been possible without the many sacrifices you had to make, together with your unwavering support and love for me. Daddy, I wish you had been around so I could reflect with you my ups and downs of this PhD journey. I missed your humour and optimism, and the encouragement you had always unwaveringly given to me in everything I did while you were still alive. Mummy, thank you for always believing in me. You often said daddy would be proud if he were still alive, and this helped to keep me committed to finishing what I started. But it was also your love and belief in me that kept me going. i Declaration This thesis is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This thesis is the result of my own work and includes nothing which is the outcome of work done in collaboration except as declared in the preface and specified in the text. It is not substantially the same as any work that has already been submitted before for any degree or other qualification except as declared in the preface and specified in the text.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development Situation in Malawi
    House of Commons International Development Committee The Development Situation in Malawi Third Report of Session 2012–13 Volume I: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence Additional written evidence is contained in Volume II, available on the Committee website at www.parliament.uk/indcom Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed 11 July 2012 HC 118 Published on 24 July 2012 by authority of the House of Commons London: The Stationery Office Limited £12.00 The International Development Committee The International Development Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Office of the Secretary of State for International Development. Current membership Rt Hon Sir Malcolm Bruce MP (Liberal Democrat, Gordon) (Chairman) Hugh Bayley MP (Labour, York Central) Richard Burden MP (Labour, Birmingham, Northfield) Mr Sam Gyimah MP (Conservative, East Surrey) Richard Harrington MP (Conservative, Watford) Pauline Latham MP (Conservative, Mid Derbyshire) Jeremy Lefroy MP (Conservative, Stafford) Mr Michael McCann MP (Labour, East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) Alison McGovern MP (Labour, Wirral South) Fiona O’Donnell MP (Labour, East Lothian) Chris White MP (Conservative, Warwick and Leamington) The following members were also members of the committee during the parliament: Mr Russell Brown MP (Labour, Dumfries, Galloway) Mr James Clappison MP (Conservative, Hertsmere) Ann McKechin MP (Labour, Glasgow North) Anas Sarwar MP (Labour, Glasgow Central) Powers The committee is one of the departmental select committees, the powers of which are set out in House of Commons Standing Orders, principally in SO No 152. These are available on the internet via www.parliament.uk.
    [Show full text]
  • Conflict: an Analysis of Malawi's Position and Its Implications
    J.Grivas Humanities. M. Kayange (Zomba), 23, 2013/2014 ‘AU-ICC-Malawi’ conflict: An analysis of Malawi’s position and its implications Grivas M. Kayange Introduction African Union (AU), International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Republic of Malawi (henceforth Malawi), have recently been involved in a conflict with respect to the application of ICC’s Warrants of Arrest of President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir of Sudan. The first warrant was offered on 4th March 2009 for crimes against humanity and war crimes, and the second in July 2010 for genocide (as indicated by the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I). The crimes were committed against the people of Darfur in Sudan (see Schabas 2007:47ff.). These crimes have led to devastating consequences since 2003. In fact, 2.7 million people are reported to have fled their homes since the conflict began in 2003, and 300,000 have lost their lives according to the United Nations (BBC News, 4 May 2012). The Sudanese government sees this figure of the dead as exaggerated, and it estimated the dead to be 12,000. Although the figures above are apparently enough to involve all the countries in arresting President Al Bashir, a number of countries including Malawi, Chad and Kenya have decided to go against this warrant of arrest. Interestingly they have allowed him to enter their territories and leave without any difficulty. Other African countries such as South Africa, Zambia, etc, have vowed to implement the warrant of arrest. The Republic of Malawi after changing its leadership due to the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika, in April 2012, decided to revise its position by clearly indicating that it will comply with the ICC’s Warrants of Arrest.
    [Show full text]
  • BTI 2020 Country Report — Malawi
    BTI 2020 Country Report Malawi This report is part of the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s Transformation Index (BTI) 2020. It covers the period from February 1, 2017 to January 31, 2019. The BTI assesses the transformation toward democracy and a market economy as well as the quality of governance in 137 countries. More on the BTI at https://www.bti-project.org. Please cite as follows: Bertelsmann Stiftung, BTI 2020 Country Report — Malawi. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2020. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Contact Bertelsmann Stiftung Carl-Bertelsmann-Strasse 256 33111 Gütersloh Germany Sabine Donner Phone +49 5241 81 81501 [email protected] Hauke Hartmann Phone +49 5241 81 81389 [email protected] Robert Schwarz Phone +49 5241 81 81402 [email protected] Sabine Steinkamp Phone +49 5241 81 81507 [email protected] BTI 2020 | Malawi 3 Key Indicators Population M 18.1 HDI 0.485 GDP p.c., PPP $ 1309 Pop. growth1 % p.a. 2.6 HDI rank of 189 172 Gini Index 44.7 Life expectancy years 63.3 UN Education Index 0.459 Poverty3 % 89.4 Urban population % 16.9 Gender inequality2 0.615 Aid per capita $ 85.8 Sources (as of December 2019): The World Bank, World Development Indicators 2019 | UNDP, Human Development Report 2019. Footnotes: (1) Average annual growth rate. (2) Gender Inequality Index (GII). (3) Percentage of population living on less than $3.20 a day at 2011 international prices. Executive Summary The review period to 2019 saw the continuation of President Peter Mutharika’s first term of office, which commenced in May 2014.
    [Show full text]
  • Malawi: Elections, Key Issues, and U.S
    July 14, 2020 Malawi: Elections, Key Issues, and U.S. Relations On June 23, 2020, 59% of voters in Malawi, a small, poor Malawi faced many, often large election protests. Some southeast African country, ousted incumbent President featured violence, perpetrated variously by protesters, Peter Mutharika in favor of opposition presidential security forces, and ruling party youth. A Malawi Human candidate Lazarus Chakwera during a rerun of a Rights Commission report alleging that police assaulted and presidential election held in May 2019. The country's High raped counter-protesters also raised a furor. Court ordered the rerun after annulling the 2019 vote in early 2020, citing a raft of serious irregularities. Mutharika, Court Ruling and 2020 Presidential Re-Run Election who won the 2019 election, called the decision a “travesty On February 3, 2020, the High Court, citing “widespread, systematic and grave” irregularities and procedural flaws by of justice” and sought its reversal, but the Supreme Court the MEC, unanimously annulled the 2019 presidential rejected his appeal and upheld the High Court’s ruling. election. It also urged that a new MEC be appointed and Opposition parties in other African countries, analysts, and validated Mutharika’s post-May 2019 tenure, pending new U.S. officials have welcomed the electoral and judicial elections. In a ruling that overturned Supreme Court oversight processes that produced this outcome. Such precedent, the court also invalidated the entire plurality- processes, which have rarely produced analogous results in based presidential election system. Asserting that the sub-Saharan Africa, may provide insights and precedents constitution requires presidents to be directly elected by a for other countries in the region—as well as inform ongoing majority of voters (as bills twice rejected by parliament U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Do Women Face a Different Standard? the Interplay of Gender and Corruption in the 2014 Presidential Elections in Malawi
    Women’s Studies International Forum 88 (2021) 102501 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Women's Studies International Forum journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/wsif Do women face a different standard? The interplay of gender and corruption in the 2014 presidential elections in Malawi Boniface Dulani a,b, Lise Rakner c, Lindsay Benstead d,*, Vibeke Wang e a Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi b Institute of Public Opinion and Research, P.O. Box 624, Zomba, Malawi c University of Bergen, Chr. Michelsen Institute, Christiesgt 15, 5011 Bergen, Norway d Portland State University, 506 SW Mill Street, Portland, OR 97201, United States of America e Chr. Michelsen Institute, Jekteviksbakken 31, N-5006 Bergen, Norway ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: Incumbency advantage and corruption are persistent features of Malawi politics, yet the incumbent Joyce Banda Africa lost the 2014 elections. Drawing on national public opinion surveys and focus groups, we explore why in­ Elections cumbency advantage did not accrue to Banda. We argue that faced with a major corruption scandal, “Cashgate,” Malawi Banda paid a heavier price than male incumbents facing corruption scandals before and after her. Her electoral Corruption fate is consistent with studies demonstrating that women holding political offices are scrutinized more heavily Gender than men, and when they transgress female gender stereotypes of incorruptibility, they are judged using a higher standard. Introduction the polls since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1994. But, in the May 2014 elections, incumbent President Joyce Banda of the Peo­ The comparative literature suggests that individual holding the ex­ ple’s Party (PP) lost the presidency after only two years in office.
    [Show full text]