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2007 Assessment

Malawi: Integrity Indicators Scorecard

Malawi: Integrity Scorecard Report > Sub-Category: Voting & Citizen Participation
Indicators		Score
14	Is there a legal framework guaranteeing the right to vote?	100
15	Can all citizens exercise their right to vote?	75
16	Are citizens able to participate equally in the political process?	80

Indicator and sub-Indicator Details

Is there a legal framework guaranteeing the right to vote?

14a: In law, universal and equal adult suffrage is guaranteed to all citizens.

Score:

YES

Comments:

References: Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, Section 77

Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, Chapter IV Section 6

14b: In law, there is a legal framework requiring that elections be held at regular intervals.

Score:

YES

Comments:

References: Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, Section 67

Can all citizens exercise their right to vote?

15a: In practice, all adult citizens can vote.

Score:

100

Comments:

References: 1) Mesn. 2004. Malawi Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. Mesn: Mzuzu

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Political and Administrative Studies Department, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba

15b: In practice, ballots are secret or equivalently protected.

Score:

100

Comments:

References: 1) MHRC. 2005. Annual Report for 2004. Malawi Human Rights Commission: Lilongwe

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba

15c: In practice, elections are held according to a regular schedule.

Score:

100

Comments:

References: 1) Khabele Matlosa and Nandini Patel "Towards Electoral System Reform in Malawi" Konrad Adenauer Foundation, 2006

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba

Are citizens able to participate equally in the political process?

16a: In law, all citizens have a right to form political parties.

Score:

YES

Comments:

References: Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, Section 40

16b: In law, all citizens have a right to run for political office.

Score:

YES

Comments:

References: Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, Section 40

16c: In practice, all citizens are able to form political parties.

Score:

100

$Scoring Criteria :: 100 Score Criteria: While there is no guarantee of electoral success, political parties can form freely without opposition. <p>50 Score Criteria: Some barriers to formation are present, such as burdensome registration requirements that may not be fairly applied. Some parties\' political viewpoints may draw pressure from the government, such as surveillance or intimidation. Some political parties or organizations may have extra barriers to getting on a ballot. <p>0 Score Criteria: Some political parties are effectively barred from forming through some manner of official or unofficial pressure. This may include threats, arrest, or violence from competing parties or other groups.$

Comments:

References: 1) Nixon Khembo "Political Parties in Malawi: From Factions to Splits, Coalitions and Alliances" in Martin Ott et al. The Power of the Vote. Kachere books No. 14, 2004

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba

16d: In practice, all citizens can run for political office.

Score:

100

Comments:

References: 1) Heiko Meinhardt and Nandini Patel "Malawi's Process of Democratic Transition" Konrad Adenauer Foundation, 2003

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba

16e: In practice, an opposition party is represented in the legislature.

Score:

100

$Scoring Criteria :: 100 Score Criteria: The opposition party always has some influence on the proceedings of the legislature. The opposition party can introduce legislation or bring pending matters to a vote without the consent of the ruling party. <p>50 Score Criteria: The opposition party has influence on the proceeding of the legislature, but it is limited in scope. The opposition\'s ability to force votes or publicly debate certain topics may be limited. <p>0 Score Criteria: The opposition party has only token participation in the legislature\'s proceedings and cannot advance legislation or force a debate.$

Comments:

References: 1) Meinhardt, H and Patel N "Malawi's Process of Democratic Transition". Konrad Adenauer Foundation, 2003

2) Happy Kayuni, lecturer, Department of Political and Adminstrative Studies, University of Malawi, Sept. 10, 2007, Zomba