‘We cannot solve our political problems in courts’
In the depth of the electoral circus underway, I sought views of the country’s former vice-president Dr Justin Malewezi on how the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and political parties can resolve the problem and move the country forward.
Q. As someone who has witnessed all the democratic elections since 1994, what is it about this year’s election which you find distinctive?
A.
This year’s elections were very competitive compared to the previous ones. There was an increase in presidential candidates of which the main contending parties were four. So it has been a continuation of previous elections with some intensification, of course, but basically the same structure.
Q. Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is yet to release official results of the elections. However, there is an atmosphere of chaos out there: calls of nullification and recounting of votes, injunctions and counter injunctions. What have been your observations so far?
A.
MEC has been trying to do its best since the beginning of these elections. They have been having some challenges regarding the largesse of the tripartite elections being held for the first time. The demands that come with holding such an election have really been a learning experience because we have not had this before. But I have also noticed a weakness in the administration particularly at the polling centres where major problems we are facing now emanate. I am talking of the designing of the computer programme, its overload, erratic voting materials and even the processing of the figures. And again, these inconsistencies in supervision such as arithmetic errors and mischief at certain points were not detected early enough.
Generally, however, MEC has been trying its best and I fully commend their effort.
I should also be quick to underline that some of the electoral problems are political problems that are being referred to courts too early. We cannot solve our political problems in courts. We should sit down as political parties under the guidance of an independent body and resolve these issues. I think the four main presidential candidates should meet and discuss these issues because we are getting conflicting messages from their subordinate officers. Therefore, there is no clear policy stand of these parties on the crisis that has come to fall. I think that the leadership of these contending parties should put their heads together, resolve these issues and come up with solutions that can take our country forward.
As I am talking, everything has come to a stop. Private sector cannot do their work. The public sector is stagnated. All the citizens are paralysed—just watching what is happening. It is imperative for leaders, under the guidance of MEC, to meet and resolve this.
Q. As you suggest that this is a political problem needing a political situation, where should political parties involved begin in these discussions?
A.
This is an electoral issue. The Constitution has delegated powers to MEC and the chairperson should be the person who should summon political party leaders. If we continue to go by daily reports over this issue and each political party doing things in its way, we will never resolve this issue. In fact, we will only complicate it. We need strong leadership to take the country forward.
Q. Do you believe that Malawi will come out of this problem safe?
A.
Oh yes! Problems come and they get solved by humans. We have had many challenges before which some never thought would not be resolved. They were resolved and I want to believe that in the hearts of our leaders, they want to resolve this issue. I do not think there is a leader who wants to lead a country that is not peaceful. They all hate chaos. Otherwise, why should they be leaders? I believe it is not in their interest to have problems; and neither is it in the interest of the citizens nor our neighbours. Because what we do here does not just affect us; it also affects our neighbours. I believe that if they have the will, this matter can be resolved this week.
Q. Your last comment?
A. I call on our leaders to be collected, cool and mature. Let us put the interest of Mother Malawi first and give us leadership so that we can progress. To MEC, do not be discouraged. This is a challenge that you can resolve; in fact, you have already shown your ability to do so. To my fellow citizens, let us give chance to the process and the leadership to resolve this issue, not to resort to unnecessary tensions or disturbances.
