Norway hails Malawi for free speech

Norway has praised Malawi for being a haven of outstanding freedom of speech and democratic tenets.

Norwegian Ambassador Asbjorn Eidhammer said this when he hosted celebrations, marking the 200th anniversary of his country’s Constitution Day on May 17 at his residence in Lilongwe.

“Today, among the countries in Africa, it is in Malawi where you find the highest percentage of people who feel that they can speak their minds freely. That is no small achievement from only 25 years ago when Malawi was known to the outside world as ‘the country where silence rules’,” said the envoy.

He expressed joy that during the past 20 years of democratic dispensation, Malawians have become better organised in making elections freer and more credible, which meet international standards.

“I have no doubt that when Malawians go to vote on Tuesday, they will do so knowing that they are freer than they have ever been. I am confident that whoever Malawians choose to rule for the next five years, there is no going back to old ways,” Eidhammer said.

In his speech, Finance Minister Maxwell Mkwezalamba congratulated Norway on its democratic constitution, saying it has stood the test of time, making the nation the third world’s sustainable democracy after Finland and Sweden.

Mkwezalamba also thanked Norway for facilitating the 50-50 Campaign that promoted women’s political empowerment and participation in elections.