Meeting to assess effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies

 The Political Science Association (PSA) is scheduled to hold its third biennial conference next week under the theme ’30th Anniversary of Multiparty Democracy: Reflections on Malawi’s Governance, Politics and Development’. Our News Analyst LLOYD CHITSULO caught up with PSA secretary general MAKHUMBO MUNTHALI, who is also regional coordinator (Southern Africa) of the African Association of Political Science (AAPS), to discuss the conference. Excerpts;

Q. How special will this third PSA biennial conference be, especially with the theme highlighting the 30th anniversary of our democracy?

A. As Political Science Association (PSA) in collaboration with editors of Malawi Journal of Politics & Public Affairs and the University of Malawi’s Department of Politics and Government we are excited to hold our third Biennial Conference in Mangochi next week. This conference holds special significance not only to PSA but the entire country as it marks 30 years since Malawi transitioned from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy in 1994. In light of this political landmark, the conference aims to, among other things, conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis, as well as critically examine the first 30 years of one-party rule (1964-1994) and the subsequent multi-party era (1994-2024). Specifically, the overall objective is to gain insights into the political, social, and economic transformations that Malawi has experienced, hence drawing lessons for the future.

Q. Who are the expected delegates at the conference?

A. We expect a diverse range of stakeholders in the governance and development sector (both State and non-State actors), academics, researchers, policy makers, practitioners, and even students of political science or studies to attend the conference. Besides, we have assembled a solid line up of respected speakers and panelists—both emerging and seasoned academics and public intellectuals— drawn from Malawi and beyond who will engage in deep discussions, share perspectives, and present empirical findings related to Malawi’s political and socio-economic landscape over the two distinctive periods.

Q. What are some of the key issues that will be discussed at the conference?

A. As I earlier indicated, the majority part of the conference will focus on presentation and discussion of 20 papers that border on the theme and relevant sub-themes. For example, authors and delegates will dissect and engage on a comparison of governance structures and political dynamics during the one-party era and the multi-party era; analyse the evolution of political parties, their roles and impact of the institutional framework on political stability; and also investigate changes in political culture and extent of citizen participation in the democratic process across the two eras. Besides, the conference will also assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies and public sector reforms in enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in governance. We also have papers tackling foreign policy and diplomacy, media’s role in politics as well as civil society dynamics. In addition, we also have a capacity building session offered by the Afrobarometer team on how to utilise Afrobarometer data in research and policy analysis.

Q. From PSA’s perspective, how have we fared as a country since attaining multiparty politics?

A. It would be premature for me to state PSA’s position on the matter granted that part of the objective of the forthcoming conference is to answer that question. So let’s talk when we cross the bridge.

Q. In the previous 30 years since the attainment of democracy, which sectors have largely failed to live up to the taxpayers expectations?

A. As I have said earlier, let’s wait for the individual papers and delegates engagement with them to help us answer some of these questions. Maybe this is the reason why you and me must be part of this academic feast in Mangochi which ably combines theory and praxis in order to answer some of our pressing socio-political and economic questions which have characterised the two eras. We look forward to the conference with great excitement