The Power of the Vote

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The 2004 elections in Malawi were pivotal in the democratisation process of a country, which is undergoing enormous changes in its political landscape. The elections carried a message of democratic hope, however were not free of concern for the future of a stable democracy in the country: the 2004 elections were characterised by voter apathy, registering fewer voters than in 1999. The papers in this book comprise the proceedings of a non-partisan, academic conference, which took place in Malawi after the elections, in July 2004. They consider questions such as: the extent to which the people of the country were fully cognisant of their rights, responsibilities, and appreciated the power of the vote; the reasons for the reduced turnout, and whether or not this of itself represented a form of protest; and whether the elections will provide a stable and predictable foundation for the future. The papers further provide a comprehensive overview of the main aspects of the elections: the electoral process; the political parties; the participation of civil society and faith communities; the roles of the judiciary, media and donors; the management of conflicts; and perspectives of domestic and international observers. Finally, the editors outline a series of recommendations to local and international stakeholders in Malawi's democracy, and provide valuable statistical data.