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The recently held elections in Malawi which were certified free, air and peaceful by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the rest of the international community provides Africa and the globe with important lessons. That Africans are a shrewd lot who make independent decisions with regard to their survival and destiny. Their choice was Professor Peter Mutharika, a law professor, former cabinet minister and brother to the late President Bingu wa Mutharika. With all odds against him including treason charges being leveled, Mutharika romped to victory, a sign that irrespective of anyone’s assertions against the people’s choice, it is the people’s will that will emerge triumphant in any democracy.
As happened in Malawi, people in Kenya and Zimbabwe defied the so called super powers to vote presidential candidates of their choice, candidates who indeed embodied their aspirations and expectations. President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Robert Mugabe epitomize the people’s agenda in Kenya and Zimbabwe respectively hence they are at the helm of their countries. In the case of Kenya and Zimbabwe, the West tried in vain to impose their will using their ubiquitous and all conquering media networks. It all came to naught for the people made their decision to choose presidential candidates of their choice. Malawians should be congratulated for their decisiveness as they made their choice which is reflective of their desire as a people.
Its public knowledge that the then incumbent and fellow presidential candidate Joyce Banda attempted without success to declare the result of the May 20 Malawian presidential, parliamentary and local government elections null and void. In her futile attempt, Banda cited the reasons for her declaration as numerous irregularities. In line with its constitutional responsibilities, the Malawi Electoral Commission refused to entertain Banda’s assertions and was supported by the judiciary which urged the electoral body to announce the elections within the constitutionally stipulated 10 days after the voting process. The Malawian experience exhibit the presence of firm national institutions who undertake their constitutional mandate religiously. Such allegiance to the whims and dictates of the constitution is a fundamental step in the consolidation of democracy in Africa. Africa should continue to tread in that avenue which upholds the will of their respective people.
The author of this article was humbled by the magnanimity which the former President Banda exhibited after it dawned to her that the people had indeed made their choice when she congratulated Professor Mutharika. Yes, voce populi vox dei. It’s a sacrosanct rule in the democratic culture to at all times respect the verdict of the people. Malawi Congress Party, the party of the nation’s founding father Ngwazi Hastings Kamuzu Banda followed suit in congratulating the winning presidential candidate, a sign of political maturity which can only take Malawi and indeed Africa to higher political, social and economic echelons. The notion of casting Africans and their institutions as weaklings when dealing with challenges amidst the continent is slowly but effectively being challenged by the manner in which solutions are being availed by its sons and daughters. Though it might sound timid to skeptics, lets all remember that a journey of a thousand miles began with a step.
The Malawian election experience should make every African proud ,the victor in the election Professor Mutharika then made a passion plea in his inauguration speech to his countrymen to join hands in rebuilding the nation’s economy, a key clarion call to unite in the quest to build their nation. Even one of Malawi’s former President Bakili Muluzi implored the nation to rally behind the president elect. Unity is a prerequisite for socio-economic development to be achieved. Malawians must also be lauded for maintaining peace and stability despite the lengthy wait for the release of the election outcome. This is what Africa needs at this juncture of its developmental trajectory.
The existence of peace and tranquility in Malawi augurs well for the pending Golden Jubilee celebrations on 6 July, indeed a milestone for the nation. The last 50 years have seen Malawi grappling with mainly economic problems especially its dependence on donor support for its budgetary support. It is one area the nation has to rid itself if it is to assume its leadership role in the region and beyond. Africa needs all its nations in a healthy state if its total growth is to be achieved. Malawi was a torch bearer during the liberation epoch in the region hence the experience it has garnered in the years gone by could be handy for the continent.
One yawns for an Africa which is economically robust and assertive on the global arena. The days of subjugation by erstwhile colonizers should invoke the spirit of oneness so as to tackle any challenges collectively .Africa’s detractors are on prowl to divide and weaken the resolve of Africa to be an independent and equal player on the global arena. Indeed, Malawi is a shining example to all African countries as it will add value to the African agenda of economic independence in our lifetime.
