European Union expresses concern over declining interest in democracy among Malawians

By Chisomo Phiri

The European Union (EU)Team Leader for Social Sectors,Michele Crimella,has expressed concern over the declining interest in democracy as a form of governance among Malawians.

He expressed the concern in Lilongwe on Thursday while presenting an Observation Report on the South African Elections (2024), held on May 29,2024.

According to Crimella, a recent Afrobarometer report reveals a worrying trend where the preference for democracy among Malawians has dropped by 18 percentage points, from 76% in 2011/2012 to 58% in 2023.

Crimella



He said:”Alarmingly, the report also shows an increased perception of preference for military intervention.”

But despite this, Crimella expressed hope that the lessons learned from South Africa’s elections will help shape Malawi’s procedures, activities, and systems to foster democratic growth.

On his part,Nice Trust Chairperson Lingalileni Mihowa shared her positive observations of democracy in action in South Africa, highlighting the inclusive measures taken to accommodate various groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, who were allowed to vote a day earlier.

Executive Director of the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC),
Emma Kaliya,praised the transparent presentation of election results to stakeholders.