Malawian Politics     

The Government of Malawi has been a multi-party democracy since 1994. Under the 1995 constitution, the president, who is both chief of state and head of the government, is chosen through universal direct suffrage every 5 years. Malawi has a vice president who is elected with the president. The president has the option of appointing a second vice president, who must be from a different party. The members of the presidentially appointed cabinet can be drawn from either within or outside of the legislature. Malawi's National Assembly has 193 seats, all directly elected to serve 5-year terms. The constitution also provides for a second house, a Senate of 80 seats, but to date no action has been taken to create the Senate. The Senate is intended to provide representation for traditional leaders and the different geographical districts, as well as various special interest groups, such as women, youth, and the disabled.

The constitution provides for an independent judiciary. Malawi's judicial system, based on the English model, is made up of magisterial lower courts, a High Court, and a Supreme Court of Appeal. Local government is carried out in 28 districts within three regions administered by regional administrators and district commissioners who are appointed by the central government. Local elections, the first in the multi-party era, took place in on November 21, 2000. The UDF party won 70% of the seats in this election.

The third multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections, originally planned for May 18, 2004 were postponed by two days following a High Court appeal by the main opposition Mgwirizano (Unity) coalition. The run-up to the poll was overshadowed by opposition claims of irregularities in the voters' roll. European Union and Commonwealth observers said although voting passed peacefully, they were concerned about "serious inadequacies" in the poll.

Principal Government Officials
President: Dr. Bingu wa Mutharika
Vice President: Dr. Cassim Chilumpha

Ministers
Agriculture and Food Security: Uladi Mussa
Industry, Science and Technology: Khumbo Chirwa
Irrigation and Water Development: Siddik Mia
Defense: President Mutharika (Deputy Minister Khumbo Kachali)
Economic Planning and Development: David Faiti
Education and Human Resources: Katherine Kainja-Kaluluma
Finance: Goodall Gondwe
Foreign Affairs: Davis Katsonga
Health: Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba
Home Affairs and Internal Security: Anna Kachikho
Lands, Housing and Surveys: Bazuka Mhango
Information, Communications and Tourism: Patricia Kaliyati
Justice and Constitutional Affairs: Henry Duncan Phoya
Labor and Vocational Training: Dr. Ken Lipenga
Local Government and Rural Development: George Chaponda
Social Development and People with Disabilities: vacant
Trade and Private Sector Development: Martin Kansichi
Mines, Natural Resources and Environment: Henry Chimunthu Banda
Sports, Youth and Culture: Jaffali Mussa
Women, Child Welfare and Community Services: Joyce Banda
Transport and Public Works: Henry Mussa
Statutory Corporations: President Mutharika (Deputy Minister Elizabeth Aipiri)
Civil Service: President Mutharika

From U.S. Department of State Background Note: Malawi.

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