Involve citizens in governance—CCJP

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has urged government to stop limiting citizen participation in governance processes in 2012.

But government spokesperson Patricia Kaliati says CCJP should use its nationwide structures to complement government’s efforts in ensuring governance instead of criticising it.

In a questionnaire response summarising governance issues in 2011, CCJP on Sunday urged the DPP-led government to stop trampling on people.

“There has been an abnormal use of power by those in leadership positions due to excessive powers conferred to them by our Constitution or due to the failure to abide by the rule of law by those in leadership positions.

“This is clearly evident in the operations of those in leadership positions that ignore reasonable voices from many…non-state stakeholders i.e. faith communities, civil society movement, diplomatic communities and others in seeking to build a better Malawi.

“It is very clear that those in power and in leadership positions do not respect advice nor do they take constructive criticism for wrong decisions,” said CCJP national coordinator Chris Chisoni .

He said the DPP-led government’s abuse of power was manifested in Parliament’s passing of unpopular bills such as the National Flag Amendment Bill, the Local Courts Bill, the Local Government Elections Bill, the Injunctions Bill and the amendment of the Police Act, among others.

Chisoni said there is also need for government to continue dialogue with stakeholders, including civil society organisations (CSOs) in 2012.

“As we look into 2012, it is crucial for CSOs and government to work as partners towards building a better Malawi. We all must work to ensure that men and women in the variety of their origins, cultures, languages and religions not overlooking political parties and tribes, are capable of living together in harmony,” he said.

Kaliati, however, asked CCJP to lobby MPs in cases where it sees that the legislators are ignoring the people’s voices.

Said the Minister of Information and Civic Education: “It is my prayer that we should work together for a better Malawi in the New Year. 2012 should be a better year and they should stop finger-pointing and discussing issues in the media.”