Britain says a well-run and credible 2014 election is critical for Malawi’s reputation and that the nation should ensure a level playing field for all players, including freedoms to campaign and access to the national broadcaster.
The United Kingdom (UK) government has also advised Malawi that to achieve sustainable growth in the next 25 years, the country needs to stick to its plans, show more seriousness to fix its problems and promote national endeavours regardless of a government in power.
British High Commissioner Michael Nevin said this when he presided over the birthday anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II at his residence in the capital, Lilongwe.
He said during the 2014 elections, his government’s concern would not be who wins, but the results that will be respected and a process that adheres to the rule of law.
Said Nevin: “Well-run election will be important not just for Malawi’s reputation, but for Sadc’s. Malawi will take over as the chair of Sadc [Southern Africa Development Community]. That will put Malawi at the forefront of efforts, along with regional partners, to resolve the issues that face Sadc, including ensuring that political agreements are adhered to and that other elections due to be held in the region are kept to a high standard.”
He said for the country to have free, fair and safe, and well-run elections, there should be freedom to campaign; freedom of the press, equitable access to the national broadcaster; responsible behaviour from all parties and their supporters, and no violence, intimidation or bribery.
Nevin also said there is need for support to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to run the elections that are transparent, delivered on time and within an efficient budget.
He also said that throughout the process, debate should be encouraged with focus on issues, not personalities or relying on regional or tribal affiliations.
On the country’s economy, Nevin advised that as much as the country’s current emphasis on developing the private sector and various trade initiatives fits with the UK’s presidency of the G8 this year, it was important that Malawi follow-up on these initiatives and deliver on its plans.
He said: “Many people can rattle off the same list of challenges that Malawi needs to fix. But we need more seriousness to actually fix them.
“This is not about criticising or supporting one political side over another. The point is that there are green shots of optimism and determination to move Malawi on which we need to capture and nurture, particularly to avoid the country being left behind others in the region.
“What vision and blueprint can all stakeholders agree for Malawi over the next 25 years or so that will deliver over 6 percent sustainable growth to reduce poverty and position Malawi as one of the success stories of Africa, less donor dependent, and able to contribute fully to regional and international issues?”
Nevin said that even as the country goes into an election year it should stick to its current macro-economic policies and resist temptations to divert from a painful and unpopular path.
The celebrations, among several others, were attended by Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Henry Chimunthu Banda, members of the diplomatic community, including dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Zimbabwe High Commissioner Thandiwe Dumbutshena and senior government officials.
Guest of honour at the function, Minister of Industry and Trade Sosten Gwengwe, pledged that Malawi will continue looking up to the UK as an important partner in its efforts to achieve economic recovery and growth.
