“The report begins by providing a brief background of Malawi’s political history and the main features of parliamentary democracy that have emerged since 1994. In addition, election results, composition of parliament and the electoral and government systems are presented. The next section provides an overview of existing structures and channels for disseminating information about parliamentary activities to constituents. The developments undertaken to improve engagement between parliament and its stakeholders are examined. This is followed by an analysis of the mechanisms that CSOs use to engage parliament, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. An overview of the role, strengths and
weaknesses relating to parliamentary opposition is then presented. Finally, and by way of conclusion, a summary is provided of the key issues analysed, as well as tentative recommendations for strengthening engagement between parliament and stakeholders.”
