The presidential, parliamentary and local elections in Malawi, May 2014

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Periodical article

Title:	The presidential, parliamentary and local elections in Malawi, May 2014
Authors:	Patel, Nandini Wahman, Michael
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Africa Spectrum (ISSN 0002-0397)
Volume:	50
Issue:	1
Pages:	79-92
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Malawi
Subjects:	elections 2014
External link:	https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/giga/afsp/article/view/830
Abstract:	On 20 May 2014, Malawi arranged tripartite elections for president, parliament and local councils. The elections were remarkable for several reasons, seen from both an African and a Malawian perspective. Despite an uneven electoral playing field, the elections were highly competitive, ultimately leading to the country's second turnover of power when opposition challenger Peter Mutharika defeated the incumbent president, Joyce Banda. The electoral results also show a return to regionalistic voting patterns and a continuing weakening of political parties, as independent candidates emerged as the largest group in parliament. Although the results were generally credible, the election remains controversial. Several stakeholders questioned the general integrity of the process, and significant logistical problems on election day might have harmed public trust in the electoral authorities. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and German. [Journal abstract]