Pan African Parliament congratulates Malawi for peaceful and democratic transition

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has congratulated Malawi for a peaceful, democratic transition as positive examples to the African continent.

The commendation was made by the Acting President of the PAP, Hon. Bouras Djamal who led the PAP delegation to a meeting with Right Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, first female speaker of the Parliament of Malawi.

Malawi made history when its Supreme Court nullified the results of the 2019 presidential elections. The country became only the second in Africa (Kenya was the first) to call for a rerun of a Presidential contest.

According to Hon. Bouras Djamel, the key to the ruling was the independence of Malawi’s judiciary and the political maturity of Malawians who took to the streets to protest what they considered poorly managed elections.

“Malawi has led the way and has become a model of democracy on the continent. As the African Union engages on silencing the guns as the theme for the year 2020, we call on Malawi to play a key role in sharing its experience in conducting peaceful transitions with other countries on the continent. We congratulate the Speaker of the Malawi Parliament for her role in promoting women’s rights and gender equality on our continent,” says Hon. Djamel.

Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara said the Parliament of Malawi is honoured to receive not only the Acting President but also the Vice President and several Members of the Pan-African Parliament.

"The strength in this delegation, depicts the respect that PAP has for Malawi. Out of the 55 African Nations, at a time when international travel is still difficult, you have overcome the challenges to come visit us, “said the Speaker.

Rt. Hon. Gotani Hara has assured the delegation of the Pan African Parliament that the Parliament of Malawi will join PAP in pleading for movement on the 12 protocols and treaties which Malawi is yet to ratify including the Malabo Protocol.

Both Parliaments are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster mutual interests in view to promote African Union principles; rule of law; respect for human rights; and capacity building. The PAP delegation is scheduled to hold an audience with H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.