PAC to discuss governance, economy

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) will on October 30 hold a second Stakeholders’ All-inclusive Conference to discuss, among others, the economic and governance situation in Malawi.

PAC executive director Robert Phiri confirmed in an interview on Saturday that the group of religious bodies has planned to hold the second conference from October 30 to 31 at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre.

He said the conference will be held under a wider theme: Time to Restore Democratic and Economic Governance and that resolutions will be shared with the country’s leadership.

Said Phiri: “You know, we were ‘reclaiming our destiny’ during the last conference in March 2012. This time around, we wish to focus on restoring our democratic values which Malawians cherished during our political transition in 1992.”

He said the conference is part of a framework of PAC’s five-year programme called Restoring Democratic and Economic Governance in Malawi with an overall goal to reduce undemocratic practices in the country.

Said Phiri: “Tentative issues to be considered during this conference include issues surrounding Section 65, the [repealed] recall provision under Section 64, the autonomy of the National Assembly, position on tripartite elections and powers of the Executive arm of government, the economic hardships that have come due to devaluation.

“Discussions on the recent political developments cannot be ruled out. Delegates may still wish to raise issues of national importance. As PAC, we will not stifle freedom of expression during the conference, but will guide the agenda.”

Phiri said the conference is not in any way trying to incite Malawians, but aims at promoting wider dialogue and come up with constructive criticisms where necessary.

Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu said three months ago that government welcomes the holding of the conference.

The first conference gave the then leadership a time frame to resolve some economic and political challenges the country was facing and an ultimatum to step aside if it failed.

President Bingu wa Mutharika died on April 5 2012 before the expiry of the ultimatum.