Managing the Transition to Political Pluralism in Malawi: Legal and Constitutional Arrangements

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Periodical article

Title:	Managing the Transition to Political Pluralism in Malawi: Legal and Constitutional Arrangements
Author:	Ng'ong'ola, Clement
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Journal of Commonwealth and Comparative Politics
Volume:	34
Issue:	2
Period:	July
Pages:	85-110
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Malawi
Subjects:	political change constitutional reform multiparty systems Politics and Government Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/14662049608447726
Abstract:	Malawi joined the list of successful examples of programmed transition from one-party rule to political pluralism in Africa after the fairly smooth and trouble-free conduct of the referendum in 1993 and the multiparty elections in 1994. While acknowledging the refreshingly smooth polling exercises in Malawi, this paper suggests that a proper assessment of the transition must pay closer attention to other aspects, such as the actual management of the transition through the various laws and institutional mechanisms which were evolved. A less charitable assessment emerges from such an analysis. The transition was not properly planned and executed. The necessary laws and policies were evolved in an ad hoc manner. This does not inspire confidence or provide the assurance that the new culture of legalism will be nurtured in the proper manner. Notes, ref.