The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs and The Republic of Yemen Cosponsored by The United Nations Development Programme and The Government of Japan In Partnership with the Governments of: The Netherlands The United Kingdom The United States And the: Canadian International Development Agency Friedrich Ebert Stiftung International Labour Organization Irish Aid National Endowment for Democracy United States Agency for International Development Westminster Foundation for Democracy World Bank		Malawi Country Summary english - french - spanish Following independence from Britain in 1964, Malawi was under the 30-year rule of "President for Life" Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who had led the anti-colonial struggle. No political opposition was tolerated. Increasing pressure from the international community, exiled dissidents and domestic organizations led Banda to call for a national referendum on Malawi's system of government in 1992. Three major parties, the former ruling MCP, UDF and AFORD fielded candidates in the historic 1994 presidential and parliamentary elections under the new multiparty system. Since Malawi's democratic transition, civic organizations are slowly growing in number and defining their role in shaping government policy. Efforts by civic groups to organize themselves for advocating issues and influencing pending legislation are evidence that NGOs see an increasingly active role for themselves in consolidating Malawi's democracy. Economic and Social Indicators Population: GNP: Per Capita GNP: Growth Rate: Illiteracy Rate: : Life Expectancy: 10 million $2.3 billion $220 0.5% 28%-males 58%-females 43-males 43-females The World Bank. World Development Report. Oxford Union Press,1999 Power within parliament has shifted several times since 1994 as varying coalitions of the three parties have formed and disbanded. An initial UDF/AFORD coalition gave the government a strong majority initially, although debate in Parliament was vibrant until the coalition fell apart and members boycotted Parliament for nine months. The second democratic general elections took place in mid-June 1999. The current President and UDF candidate narrowly defeated the presidential candidate presented by an MCP/AFORD coalition, but the President now faces a majority opposition in parliament. Upcoming challenges for Malawi's political leadership will include governing efficiently while defining and maintaining a constructive role for the opposition. Upon assuming office in 1994, the government inherited an economy weakened by natural impediments (including rapid population growth and drought) and previous mismanagement. In 1995, the IMF approved a structural adjustment program to support the government's economic plan for the next several years. Initial strong growth was hampered by flooding in 1997 and 1998. Dramatic currency devaluations in 1999 were also a contentious issue in the recent elections. Malawi remains one of the poorer countries on the African continent. [ Introduction ] [ Worldwide Activities ] [ What We Do ] [ Feedback ] [ Jobs/Links/Archives ] [ NDI Home ]