Voting matters: Malawi

First, some facts about Malawi. Malawi is a landlocked country on the southeastern side of Africa. It has a population of around 18.62 million. They speak mostly in Chichewa, a national recognized language, along with English. The major religions of Malawi is Christianity (80%) and Islamic (20%). They gained their independence on July 6, 1964. The most common exports are tobacco, radioactive chemicals, and sugar. Most people of Malawi (84%) live in rural areas, while the 16% of people who don't live in small towns.  Malawian people live in small houses and not many have cars. They mostly get around using mini-buses and single-cab pick-up trucks. It's a place that is making efforts to overcome a history of decades of underdevelopment. More than half of the population of Malawi is living below the poverty line and the turbulent politics have hampered the government, which continues to be a concern.
The 2019 presidential election in Malawi is due to take place soon and it's current president Peter Mutharika, is ready to fight to stay in office. Anti-Corruption Bureau’s leaked report accused Mutharika of getting $195,000 bribe. The bribe was from a contractor who was tasked with equipping at least 4 million dollars worth of rations to the Malawi Police. A quote from Mutharika says, “I am not doing this for personal gain. In fact, I only get 40% from my (monthly) salary of at least $3600 and the rest goes to government.” Using this speech, he was able to warn against the newly-elected party leaders and how they might abuse their positions. Joyce Banda, who is the former president,  is seeking the nomination of her “People’s Party” in order to take on Mutharika in polls that are due in May. Banda called for the president to resign by joining anti-government pressure groups. A quote from Joyce Banda reads, “When a president is not involved looting or shady deals, he or she does not hesitate to instruct arrests of those involved… he should therefore respond to Malawians call to step down.” Banda was defeated in polls in 2014 because of a vast corruption scandal in 2013 that she was implicated in. After being defeated in polls, she went to a self-imposed exile abroad. She returned to Malawi at the end of April this year without any legal difficulties.

Cites:
https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/embattled-malawi-president-will-fight-2019-election-20180703
https://www.rippleafrica.org/a-charity-in-malawi-africa/malawi-facts-and-figures


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