By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi News Network Correspondent
In 1992, Malawi’s Catholic bishops issued a pastoral letter criticizing the authoritarian government of the time for failing to respect the rights of its citizens.
The letter became a catalyst for political change, galvanizing calls for a more open and accountable system of governance.ADMARC Expands Maize Markets Nationwide, Boosting Access in High-Price Areas
In June 1993, Malawians went to the polls in a national referendum to decide whether to adopt a multiparty system of government.
After votes were cast and counted, a majority chose multiparty democracy, paving the way for the formation of several political parties.
Among them were the United Democratic Front (UDF) led by Dr. Bakili Muluzi, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) led by the late Chakufwa Chihana, and the Malawi Democratic Union (MDU) led by the late Gwanda Chakuamba.
The following year, in 1994, Malawi held its first multiparty general election, which the UDF, under Dr. Bakili Muluzi, won by a wide margin.
Thirty-two years later, the question remains: has multiparty democracy improved the lives of Malawians as they had hoped?Will ADMARC Be Called The Granary For Farmers Again?
To find out, Malawi News Network spoke to citizens across the country about their experiences under the multiparty system.
Mr. Poison Nduta of Dziwe Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka, said multiparty democracy has not improved the lives of Malawians.
He argued that poverty and hunger are now more widespread than during the one-party era, when he said Malawians were more hardworking.
Nduta cited the introduction of handouts as an example, saying citizens have become accustomed to handouts instead of self-reliance.
He also accused members of Parliament of being greedy and failing to prioritize national development.MCP Accused of Hoarding Maize as Malawians Suffer Hunger
Miss Agnes Hara of Ekwendeni expressed similar frustrations, saying multiparty democracy has brought poverty and rising unemployment.
She pointed to the closure of companies such as David Whitehead, Colgate-Palmolive, and Malawi Railways as evidence of economic decline.
Hara added that the education system has deteriorated, noting that some Form Four students cannot write a basic application letter.
She also lamented the loss of respect for elders, a value she said was stronger under the one-party system.Government Commits to Rescue Households from Hunger in Nkhata Bay
Pastor Harvey Chabingah of Christ Mandate Church in Lilongwe said the lives of Malawians have not improved under multiparty rule.
“As a pastor, it pains me to see so many Malawians living in poverty,” he said.
Chabingah said corruption is high in both government institutions and churches, and many Malawians do not respect the rule of law, often taking matters into their own hands.
On development, he said roads remain in poor condition and many buildings are of low quality.
Mrs. Agnes Maneya of Chiradzulu District recalled the late President Kamuzu Banda’s warning that multiparty democracy would bring conflict.
“We thought he meant we would be fighting with guns, but look now—our parliamentarians are busy fighting in Parliament instead of strategizing for development,” she said.
“It is a pity. As Malawians, we don’t seem to love our country,” Maneya added.Government Set to Announce Farmgate Prices as ADMARC Prepares to Roll Out Crop Purchases
Mr. Anthony Nkhonjera of Area 23 in Lilongwe said the only clear benefit of multiparty democracy has been the introduction of human rights.
“Beyond that, Malawi has not developed,” he said.
Nkhonjera argued that if leaders had made better plans, the country would now be celebrating improved living standards.
He accused politicians of making sweet promises during campaigns and failing to deliver once in office, focusing instead on enriching themselves and their relatives.
The interviews reflect a widespread sense of disappointment among citizens who had hoped that political pluralism would translate into economic progress and better public services.
While multiparty democracy has expanded political freedoms and human rights, many Malawians say those gains have not been matched by improvements in livelihoods, employment, education, and infrastructure.Chihana Warns Farmers Against Hoarding Maize Amid Rising Food Insecurity in Malawi
The question remains a subject of national debate: has multiparty democracy improved the lives of Malawians?
It is a question every Malawian, from village to capital, continues to weigh against their lived experience.