Task Force on Strengthening Local Democracy and Decentralization in Malawi holds first meeting

On 18 June 2009, the Task Force on Strengthening Local Democracy and Decentralization in Malawi held its first meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi. The Task Force was formed as part of recommendations that were made at the Roundtable dialogue that was convened by the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) in partnership with the Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA) at Sunbird Lilongwe Hotel on 2 April 2009. The purpose of the Roundtable dialogue was to commence a process of engagement between central government and the national association together with civil society, development partners and other stakeholders at the local level with an interest in promoting good inclusive and participatory governance.

Hosted by MALGA, the meeting brought together representatives of the Public Affairs Committee, the Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), PACENET, political parties – the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), MALGA and the UCLGA.

In line with its primary mission to prepare a Plan of Action (Roadmap) for strengthening local democracy and decentralization in Malawi, the Task Force met to elect a chairperson, adopt Terms of Reference and an Activity Time Schedule.

 Speaking at the meeting, the Acting Secretary General of the UCLGA, Mr. Maurice Mbolela, conveyed warm greetings and a congratulatory message from the UCLGA President, Cllr Smangaliso Mkhathswa, to the members of the Task Force for the peaceful manner in which the recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections were held in Malawi. He then made a presentation on events and processes that lead to the establishment of the Task Force, with specific reference to the April Roundtable dialogue. Mr Mbolela also made reference to the UCLGA Executive Committee Meeting where one of the resolutions was the establishment of a Decentralization and Local Governance Sub-committee, which will take the lead on the Strengthening Local Democracy and Good Local Governance Programme, including the Malawi case.

 Mrs. Kamugholi Zalira from the HRCC was elected chairperson of the Task Team, unopposed. 

During the review of the draft Terms of Reference and the proposed Activity Schedule for the Task Force, the following issues arose prominently as requiring particular attention:

• Members of the Task Force need to be sensitized on local government systems;

• Governance, policy and legal frameworks must be studied as soon as possible

• Gender balance must be considered in the composition of the Task Force;

• There is a need for civic education and awareness raising on the respective roles of Members of Parliament and Councillors as the lack of understanding hereof creates unnecessary tensions and conflicts;

• Matters pertaining to the remuneration of councillors must be examined;

The meeting agreed to give the MALGA Secretariat the opportunity to revise both the Terms of Reference and the Activity Schedule in light of the above raised issues. The revised documents would then be adopted in the next meeting of the Task Force. 

The meeting ended on a note of satisfaction.

For more information on the Strengthening Local Democracy and Good Local Governance: Rebuilding Local Government in the Republic of Malawi Project of the UCLGA, kindly contact:

Ms Lilian Dodzo
Email: Ldodzo@uclgafrica.org