‘Malawians want free and fair elections’
With only few days to the country’s polls, our reporter Paida Mpaso engages US Ambassador Jeanine Jackson on Malawi’s preparations for the elections and donor support.
Q: As the country heads to the polls on May 20, how does the US rate Malawi’s preparations?
A: The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has worked very hard to put in place a system that will ensure a free fair and peaceful election. I am one of the several donors who have participated in election steering committee with MEC [and] there are a lot of dedicated people there representing various parties. [However], there are many challenges but I also consider them as opportunities. We expect to see many observers on the ground and I think the Malawians want a free and fair elections so if they want it, it can happen.
Q: Is the US satisfied that what has been done so far will lead to free, fair and credible elections?
A: [We are] generally satisfied and I think there are some issues that need to be resolved. There are 10 days to elections and some of the issues that do need to be resolved include probably logistics perhaps some communication issues and I urge MEC to continue communicating to the Malawian people in every way possible what they have to ensure credible election.
Q: With 10 days to the elections, do you still think MEC has what it takes to resolve these issues?
A: Sure! If MEC and the people involved in the elections can resolve it. I have seen Malawians come through when they are confronting challenges such as this and I fully anticipate they will do the same here. Malawi has a chance to make a mark on the African continent to have free, fair credible and peaceful elections.
Q: Malawians are increasing becoming angry because donors are withdrawing support, arguing it is the common person who suffers. What’s your government’s view on this?
A: There are several types of donors in Malawi and there are those who support directly the budget of the country; there are those who support individual sector such as health and there are donors such as US Government and large international organisations which undertake many development projects in partnership with the Government of Malawi. So, when people make
reference to 40 percent budget support, it is only budget support and it is not counting the vast array of other development support that exist here in Malawi in partnership with Government of Malawi and Malawians.
Q: What are the prospects of your government’s assistance to Malawi post May 20?
A: Our assistance to Malawi will continue and we will partner with whoever wins as long as the government ensures good governance, tackles some of the economic development issues and sticks to a reformed agenda. We had about $260 million worth of assistance last year and that includes the majority in health but we work in agriculture, environment, education, energy with our Millennium Challenge Cooperation as well as governance and security corporations. So, we have pretty a broad portfolio. We are willing to working with a government that will do the right thing by the Malawians people.
Q: What do you mean the right thing?
A: The right thing meaning, good governance, human rights, economic development and offer opportunities for Malawians to improve their lot.
